Dolores Joy Connelly, 91, of Camillus, NY passed away peacefully on May 5, 2017. Dolores was born in Schenectady, NY, August 3, 1925 and was one of 10 children born to Frank and Anna (Finn) O’Connor. She attended St. Columbus High School there and later moved to the Syracuse area, where she spent the remainder of her life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Connelly; and 7 siblings, Mary John, Carmel O’Connor, Jack O’Conner, Aileen McGarry, William O’Connor, Constance Ward, and Edward O’Connor. She is survived by 2 siblings, Frank O’Connor and Helen Summers; her 5 children, Kevin Connelly (Carol), Joan Reilley (Dennis), Barbara Tornatore (John), Maureen Michaels, and Chris Connelly (Ada); 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Dolores’s long life was lived with joy and humor. She never met a stranger and easily forged friendships wherever she went. She had a gift for never letting anyone feel lonely or left out. Dolores was a valued companion and was cherished by her family and friends. She was such a vibrant participant in life, and she always brought her funny outlook to the ordinary in it.
She was competitive in golf, scrabble, bowling, tennis and bridge. She was also an avid artist and painter. Dolores was once a member of Cazenovia Golf Club, Fayetteville Athletic Club, and Manlius Tennis Club and was a communicant of Fayetteville’s Immaculate Conception Church for decades. She was an eager volunteer in church and community activities.
With a huge, loving heart, Dolores was one of the most generous people anyone could know. She will forever be missed by all those who were fortunate to share her life and the void she leaves will never be filled. Her family is so grateful for the inspiration she leaves in being thankful in all circumstances. We say to her, “Mom, now you are WAY above the ground!”...and the heavens rejoice!
The family will be scheduling a memorial at a later date, and ask that, in lieu of flowers or charitable donations, you extend a kindness to someone as Dolores did her entire life. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the staff at St. Camillus Nursing Home, Unit D. During her time there, she always felt loved and safe in your care. You made her last days so peaceful. We are indebted to you.