Marian Patrice Connolly (Feb 6, 1935 – Jan. 14, 2019)
Marian Connolly lived a peaceful life, with a strong sense of style and flair.
Marian was a fiercely independent woman, who made her own path in life.
She was born in Queens, NY to Thomas and Marion (nee Jantzen) Connolly.
She graduated with many of her lifelong friends from Dominican Academy in Manhattan, NY. From there, Marian went on to become Sister Mary Joseph O.P., a Catholic Dominican Sister, and graduated in 1958 from the College of St. Mary’s of the Springs in Ohio with a B.A. in English. She then taught at Catholic schools in Santa Fe, NM until she was transferred to St. Augustine’s in Ossining, N.Y. in 1962. Marian left the Order shortly thereafter and became a teacher at Glen Cove, LI schools, which became her true life’s work. She was a famously strong and beloved teacher in the district from September 1962 until her retirement in June 1992. She received her Master’s in Education from St. John’s University in 1971. She taught the elementary grades 2 through 4, but really loved teaching at the middle school. Her teaching impacted over 3 decades of children, creating a joy of learning and sharing her own joie de vivre.
After retiring, Marian moved to Hampstead where she made new lifelong friends. She was someone you wanted in your corner, and if you had her on board, you knew you could always count on her. She became a volunteer child advocate, speaking up for the children who had no voice to back them, a role her life experience had well prepared her for.
Marian had a strong sense of style, a packed closet, and loved a truly coordinated outfit. She also loved nothing more than getting her hair done at Nathalies and doing anything with the Hampstead Ladies. She was a born leader; organizing world travels to China and Europe, but she loved her trips to Ireland most of all. Amongst her Irish relatives she found other kindred, red haired, strong willed teachers.
Marian left this world as peacefully as she lived, our wise and beloved counsel. She leaves behind many friends and innumerable memories and has now joined those friends who have gone before her.
A funeral mass will be held this Friday, Jan. 18th at 11 am at All Saints Catholic Church in Hampstead, NC.
In lieu of flowers, please wear your best outfit and have lunch with a good friend or two.
Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 16076 US Hwy 17N Hampstead, NC 28443. 910-821-1713.
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