Sheila A. Connolly, beloved to all she met, passed away August 24, 2021 in Matamoras, Pennsylvania. Born February 24, 1932 in Pittsfield, MA, she was the youngest daughter of John and Catherine (Baker) Connolly. A graduate of Saint Joseph’s High School in Pittsfield, Ms. Connolly then worked as an operator for New England Telephone, a division of AT&T for five years. Sheila then became a novitiate in the Ursuline order of nuns of the Roman Catholic Church for 9 years. While a nun, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Marymount College in New Rochelle, NY.
Upon leaving the convent, Ms. Connolly attended New York University in Manhattan, where she earned her master’s degree and a doctorate in American History. She taught at Marymount School of New York in Manhattan, having taught President John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline. She later returned to her first employer, AT&T, in a variety of capacities: first at New York Telephone, then at American Bell in Morristown, NJ. She rose in her AT&T career, ending her tenure as Division Manager and Secretary to the Board of the AT&T Foundation, where she traveled the world extensively coordinating Executive Education Programs. This provided her the opportunity to meet top scientific luminaries at Bell Labs and befriend Fouad Ajami.
Sheila retired to Milford, PA, where she kept busy doing office work with Biondo Investment Advisors. She served on the Board of numerous local organizations, including the Pike County Historical Society and the Historic Preservation Trust. She was a lifelong Mets fan and loved New York, often frequenting Broadway and her favorite restaurant in the West Village, El Charro Espanol NYC.
Besides her parents, Ms. Connolly was predeceased by her sister Mary Rice and brothers Frances, John Raymond, and Thomas as well as nephews John Rice and Michael Connolly. She is survived by her sister Kathleen Connolly of Pittsfield, Nieces and Nephews Maureen Connolly, William Connolly (Marcia), Mary Pat Anderson, Maryellen Staley, John Connolly (Debbie), Tom Connolly (Gwen) Kit Connolly Turner (Will) Christopher Connolly (Mary), Kevin Connolly (Roslyn), Tim Connolly (Donna), Bob Rice (Debbie) and numerous great nieces and nephews as well as great-great nieces and nephews. She also leaves her lifelong friend Daryl (Lincoln) Marty and surrogate son James McLain all who meant the world to her and they felt the same.
Calling hours for Sheila A. Connolly were held Monday, Aug. 30th at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home beginning at 9:30 am. A Liturgy of Christian Burial followed at 11 am at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will follow, in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church or a charity of your choosing.