Mary Elizabeth Connolly, 89, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2010 at St. John's Hospital. She was born July 19, 1921 in Springfield, the daughter of Patrick and Sarah McCoo Connolly. Mary retired from St. John's Hospital where she began working just out of high school. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe and Ireland. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, John, Patrick and Bernard Connolly. She is survived by two sisters, Rose Ann Penley of Dewey, AZ and Helen (husband, Bill) Shea of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5:00 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, with a prayer service to begin at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Holinga, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702.
