Mary C. Connolly

ProvidenceMary C. Connolly, 83, formerly of Huber Avenue, Providence, died peacefully January 20, 2017 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice care center. She was the wife of the late James T. Connolly. Born and raised in the Smith Hill neighborhood of Providence, a daughter of the late John S. and Catherine T. (Lyons) Sullivan, she attended Saint Patrick Grammar School, Saint Patrick High School and Rhode Island College of Education. Mary was a teacher for the Providence School Department for many years, and then taught at Saint Thomas School for several years before retiring. A long time parishioner of Saint Thomas Parish, Mary was active in the Catholic Charity Appeal, the School Committee, Women's Guild, food pantry, church bazaar and was a daily communicant and lector. Her family, faith and church were the center of her life. She leaves a daughter, Mary Ellen Connolly Fochler and her husband Kevin; a son, Michael P. Connolly and his wife Lori; a brother, Thomas V. Sullivan and five loving grandchildren, Michaela, Kathleen, Thomas, Connor and Rosemary. She was a sister of the late John J. Sullivan and Edward T. Sullivan. The funeral will be held on Wednesday at 8:45 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Thomas Church, Fruit Hill Avenue, Providence. Burial will be in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours Tuesday, 4:00 - 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to Saint Thomas Church and St. Thomas Food Pantry, 65 Fruit Hill Avenue, Providence.For on-line condolences, visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com