Ann M. Connorty

On June 26, 2026, after 103 remarkable years, Anthonette “Ann” M. Connorty gently slipped from this world into the arms of Jesus, leaving behind a legacy woven from faith, family, tradition, and love. Born in Waco, Texas, Ann grew up surrounded by the laughter, food, and fierce devotion of her large Italian family—descendants of relatives who journeyed from Sicily to build a new life in America. Those roots shaped her, and she carried them proudly for more than a century.

Ann’s life truly began when she met George T. Connorty, the man she would love forever. They married on February 14, 1946, just after George returned from WWII. From that moment on, they built a life centered around family, faith, and the joy of simply being together. Ann and George made their home in Temple, where their door was always open and their kitchen always warm.

Sundays with her Italian relatives were sacred: church in the morning, then the whole Scardino and Rovello clan gathered around the table for spaghetti and meatballs. The house buzzed with conversation, clattering dishes, and the spirited poker games that followed. Ann loved those days, and she carried the tradition with her throughout her life. In Temple, Saturdays became family day, and her children and grandchildren knew exactly what they’d find: roast beef, her famous “Meat Spaghetti,” and the banana pudding that no one else could ever quite replicate. Ann cooked with love, and every meal felt like a hug.

Ann was a devoted mother to Linda Barnes (Gene) and Jim Connorty (Jacque); a proud grandmother to Lisa Shed (Kody) and Chris Connorty (Ryanne); a delighted great grandmother to Rachel Edelbrock (Joseph), Grant Shed, and Sean Connorty; and a joyful great great grandmother to little Emberly Edelbrock. Her family was her heart, and she cherished every generation that followed her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved George; her parents, James M. Scardino and Josephine F. Rovello Scardino; her sister, Johanna F. Harrell (Charlie); her son-in-law, Gene Barnes and many cherished relatives from the Waco and Bryan communities. Ann spoke of them often, remembering their stories, their laughter, and the way they shaped her life.

Ann attended Sacred Heart Academy and 4C Business School, then worked at Central Freight, First National Bank, the City of Temple Water Department, and Scott & White in the Audiology Department. She was a member of the Avolante Study Club, where she shared countless hours of friendship with Joann Barnes—many of them spent on the front porch steps, sipping coffee, eating graham crackers, and talking about everything two close friends could talk about.

George and Ann were founding members of Santa Fe Credit Union, a role they cherished deeply. Together, they traveled to many conventions across Texas, where they made lifelong friends and enjoyed the fellowship, learning, and camaraderie that came with being part of something they helped build. Those trips became treasured memories—filled with laughter, shared meals, and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Faith was the steady rhythm of Ann’s life. A founding member of St. Luke Catholic Church, she attended Mass faithfully for decades. When she could no longer attend in person, she watched the Mass on television and listened to Mother Angelica on EWTN. Her Rosary stayed at her bedside, and she prayed it every night. If someone needed help, Ann offered a Novena. Her faith was quiet, constant, and deeply lived.

Ann loved staying active, especially with her dear friend and neighbor Lora. The two of them went to exercise classes at Sammons Community Center, then treated themselves to lunch and a little shopping—because shopping was one of Ann’s greatest joys. She and her mother spent countless hours at the mall hunting for the perfect outfit at the perfect price. Ann had an eye for fashion and a gift for sewing; she could often be found cutting patterns, stitching at her machine, or watching sewing programs on TV.

In her final years, Ann was surrounded by extraordinary care. Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Visiting Angels caregivers—Ana, Vanessa, and Yolanda—who cared for Ann with tenderness, humor, and genuine friendship. You were truly angels to her.

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the BSW Hospice Team, whose compassion and presence brought comfort and peace during Ann’s transition. Erica, Amy, Chaplain Ray, Rachel, Rosie, and Rhonda, along with all the others who cared for her, walked beside Ann and her family with patience, gentleness, and grace. You answered every question, eased every worry, and helped guide her home with dignity and love. The family will never forget your kindness.

Ann lived more than a century, but her life wasn’t measured in years—it was measured in meals shared, prayers whispered, hands held, stories told, and love given freely. She leaves behind a family who adored her, traditions that will continue for generations, and a legacy of faith that will never fade.

Her story is one of devotion, resilience, laughter, and grace. And now, reunited with her loved ones, she rests in eternal peace.

Memorials may be given in Mrs. Connorty’s name to Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, 1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop, Temple, Texas 76502 (https://ctxfoundation.bswhealth.com/areas-to-support/mclane-childrens/) or to Saint Luke Catholic Church, 2807 Oakdale Dr., Temple, Texas 76502 (https://slparish.com).

The family will receive visitors from 5-7:00pm Monday, July 6, 2026 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Rosary will follow at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at St. Luke Catholic Church with Rev. Vincent Nguyen as celebrant. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park.