Mary Alice Connolly, 97, passed away peacefully at her home Friday, February 28, 2020. Mary Alice was born February 4, 1923 in Sioux City, IA and adopted by Raymond and Alice (Brennan) Wright. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, and Drake University. Mary Alice worked as a teacher in the Des Moines Independent School District and Saydel School District. She was involved in many community service organizations including the Epilepsy Foundation of America, Iowa Chapter and the Des Moines Area Council of Christians and Jews. Survivors include her sister: Maryalice (Chuck) Searl; children: Ann Ketch, John (Joyce) Nichols; daughter-in-law: LaVonne Nichols; step children: Mary Pat Connolly, Colleen Hurley, John Connolly IV, Thomas Connolly, James Connolly, Sheila Hourigan, Theresa Braune, Daniel Connolly; 9 grandchildren: Teresa (Virgil) Woods, Deanna (Mike) Olechnovics, Patricia (Judson) VanWeelden, Mary (Ryan Rivas) Nichols, Katie (Eric) Small, Bob Ketch, John Ketch, Jennifer Burns, Matthew (Hannah) Nichols; 12 great grandchildren: Carissa (JP) Pinkey, Virgil Woods, Antonio Nichols, Tanner Small, Madelyn Small, Payton Olechnovics, Serenity Rivas, Stella VanWeelden, Amelia Burns, Steele Rivas, Isla Nichols, Hunter VanWeelden; and 1 great-great grandchild: Arielle Bonner. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Connolly III; son: Stephen Nichols; son-in-law: David Ketch; sister: Ann Wright Wicker; and brother-in-law; David Wicker. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Glioblastoma Foundation, or the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.