Marie T. (Hennessey) Connelly

Marie T. (Hennessey) Connelly (June 27, 1945 – October 18, 2020) of West Bridgewater passed away after a brief but heroic battle against cancer. Surrounded by her loving and devoted family, Marie died peacefully and gracefully. She is survived by her husband, James P. Connelly with whom she shared the last 57 years of her life. She is also survived by her five sons, James Jr. of Boston, Paul of Tampa FL, John and his wife Sharon of Pearl River NY, Christopher and his wife Jennifer of East Bridgewater, and Brian and his late wife, Mei, of East Bridgewater. Marie was the daughter of the late, Francis and Catherine (Luppold) Hennessey. In addition to her husband and sons, Marie is survived by her six grandchildren, Christopher Zachary, Brendan, Shannon, Aidan, Elizabeth, and Noah Connelly. Though Marie was known as a “wife” to her husband James, and “Mum” to her five boys, she loved being “Nana” to her grandchildren. Marie was also the sister of the late Francis Hennessey of Sterling VA and his wife Margaret “Peggy” Hennessey who now lives in Rehoboth Beach DE. She was the sister-in-law to Ann Catino (DeCoste) and Gene Catino of Dedham MA, Thomas Connelly and his wife Susan of Franklin MA. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews some of whom were like her brothers and sisters and others like sons and daughters. Marie was also loved and cherished by many close friends, especially Kathy Sardella and the late Patricia Kelley and Rhoda Johnson. Marie was born in Boston and raised in West Roxbury. She attended St. Theresa School in West Roxbury before graduating from St. Clare High School in Roslindale. Marie worked at Steadfast Rubber in Jamaica Plain where she met the love of her life while buying a coca-cola from the soda machine. From that point on a wonderful life started. Marie married her husband Jim on November 2, 1963 and soon gave birth to the first of her five sons. Their married life took them to Boston, North Carolina and Bermuda before finally settling in West Bridgewater. Marie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She sacrificed many things for the care and well-being of her family. While raising her five sons she worked several jobs to support her family. Most notably, she worked part time at Friendly’s in Brockton and as a part time house-keeper at St. Ann’s Church. Marie was a voracious reader and learner. After raising her sons, Marie fulfilled a life-long goal of completing her college degree. In the spring of 1991, she graduated from Bridgewater State University majoring in Sociology. Not only was she an intelligent woman, she was very creative. She could always be found with a needle in her hand sewing patches on her son’s pants or knitting a blanket, sweater or mittens to keep her kids warm. For many years she created homemade wooden decorations at local craft fairs during the holiday season. Marie loved to travel near and far. In her retirement years Marie loved “taking cruises” to various European ports of call. Marie visited England, Ireland, Amsterdam, France, Italy, Greece, Coatia, Montenagro, Malta, Germany, Belgium, Lückenburg, Lichtenstein, Austria, Mexico, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada and Caribbean. But her favorite place to be was on the beach. As a child, she was found at Old Silver Beach with her mom and dad. Years later when summer came and school ended, she could be found with her five boys at Onset Beach. For twenty years Marie would coordinate summer vacations at Ocean City or Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Though she loved the beach, she loved being with her family even more. Marie’s family is forever grateful for the life she gave us and the life she shared with us. She will always be remembered lovingly by her family and friends. Codladh sámh—Sleep well in peace. A funeral mass will be celebrated for the repose of her soul at St. Ann Church, 103 North Main Street, West Bridgewater on Thursday at 9:00AM with COVID-19 restrictions. Calling hours in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 441 South Main Street, (Rt. 28) West Bridgewater on Wednesday from 4:00-8:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Old Colony Hospice. ************************* COVID-19 Funeral Home Capacity Restrictions******************** Russell & Pica Funeral Homes Guidelines when attending a funeral wake/service. All visitors must wear a MASK in the funeral home and on the funeral home property. All visitors will be advised by Funeral Home Staff on what Building Entrance to Use. All visitors will then follow SAFE DISTANCING MARKINGS that will guide to the Casket/Urn. All visitors may pause at Casket/Urn and then EXIT the Funeral Home. All visitors when returning to their cars will please exit the property to allow others to enter. All visitors will be able to greet family members from a safe distance but not able to touch. The Russell & Pica Funeral Home appreciates everyone that is helping to support your loved one’s and friends during their most difficult time.