Nora L. Donnelly

Nora was born on May 7, 1938, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to the loving arms of Aldo F. and Adele M. (Ceci) Parola. She was educated in the Waterbury school system, attending Washington Grammar School, Waterbury Catholic High School, and St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, graduating with the Class of 1959. Demonstrating her lifelong dedication to learning and professional growth, she later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Central Connecticut State University in 1997.

On September 3, 1960, she married the love of her life, James M. Donnelly. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their three children. Her children Michael (and his wife, Jane [Lewis]), of Charlestown, RI, Stephen (and his wife, Karen [Bacon]) of Cheshire, CT, and Kathryn and her husband, Russell Murray of Southington, Connecticut will miss her dearly. She also leaves five nieces and 2 nephews.

Nora was a proud resident of Southington for more than 60 years. She loved her home, longtime neighbors, and devoted over four decades of service as a registered nurse at Bradley Memorial Hospital. Through her work and daily life, she formed lasting friendships and became a beloved member of the community she cherished so deeply.

A devout member of the Catholic community of Southington, Nora was a longtime parishioner of Mary Our Queen Church, where her faith was an important part of her life for many decades. She was also a member of several organizations within the Southington community.

Family was the center of Nora’s life. She especially loved and adored her eight grandchildren: Shane, Allison, Brendan, Colin, Keira, Julia, Michaela, and Noah. She would do anything for them and for her children, offering unwavering love, encouragement, and support. She also held a special place in her heart for the many pets she cared for throughout her life, who brought her great comfort and joy, especially her beloved cat, Gracie.

Nora found great joy in caring for others not only through her nursing, but also through her cooking and baking. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and generosity, where family traditions were shared and memories were made, especially through her beloved homemade pies and delicious recipes.

She also found peace in the beauty of nature, tending to her plants and gardens and delighting in the birds that gathered outside her home.

Nora will be remembered as strong, thoughtful, compassionate, courageous, witty, and unwavering. She had a remarkable creative spirit and was skilled in many arts, including painting, drawing, embroidery, sewing, and quilting. She found joy in learning and shared that passion with her family, always emphasizing the importance of education and curiosity.

She loved watching Jeopardy!, keeping up with daily comics and horoscopes, cheering for the UConn Huskies, and sending her children her Wordle scores. These small daily traditions reflected her lively mind and playful connection with those she loved.

Nora was predeceased by her husband, James M. Donnelly; her brothers, Mario P. Parola and Silvio M. Parola; her nieces, Patricia Grimm and Kathryn Parola, as well as, her parents, Aldo and Adele Parola.

Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply, the community she served, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, faith, and care.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11 AM at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband James. Calling hours will be prior to the Mass at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington from 8:30 am – 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or Paws 4 Life Animal Rescue of CT, PO Box 9233, Bolton, CT 06043. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit, www.dellavecchiasouthington.com