SHIRLEY M. CONNOLLY

Shirley M. (Atchison) Connolly of Coventry RI, passed away on the evening of Monday, August 23, 2021, surrounded by her loving children in Los Angeles California.

Born on September 3rd, 1936 in Pawtucket RI, she was the eldest of three children born to the late Edward J. Atchison and Eva (Chamberland) Atchison.  Raised in Pawtucket, she attended St Mary’s Catholic School and later graduated from St Xavier Academy, class of 1954.

She met the love of her life, the late John (Jack) D. Connolly and they were engaged after a 6-week whirlwind courtship. They married in the fall of 1958 and were nearly inseparable for almost 40 wonderful years, until his passing in September of 1997.  Together they raised 5 children. 

Shirley and her husband Jack moved to Coventry RI in the early 1970’s where they raised their family and she has resided for close to 50 years.  After her husband’s passing in 1997, Shirley spent many years traveling and spending time with her children between Rhode Island and Los Angeles. 

Shirley worked as a cashier, as well as in lay-away and the money room at Ann & Hope in Cumberland and Warwick for over 38 years until her retirement in 2006 at the age of 70. She enjoyed interacting with co-workers and customers and especially loved working closely with her husband Jack who was a Major Appliances Salesman at Ann & Hope.

In her spare time Shirley loved to watch soap operas, especially Days of Our Lives. In 2019 at a special fan event in Los Angeles, she spent the day chatting with favorite soap stars, who were more than happy to engage with such a devoted viewer. Also, an avid music lover, she attended many live concerts over the years. A recent highlight was seeing Engelbert Humperdinck a final time for her 80th birthday. 

In her later years, Shirley became quite tech savvy.  She stayed in touch with friends and family via Facebook and email. One of her true loves was researching family history on Ancestry.com. She has left her family a treasured legacy with a family tree dating back centuries. 

Shirley is survived by her five children: Shirley Connolly, Susan (Connolly) Williams and husband Eric, John D. Connolly II, Shannon Connolly and Courtney Connolly; her siblings: Edward Atchison Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Smithfield RI and Beverly (Atchison) Martel and her husband Raymond of Pawtucket RI; also many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Shirley will be laid to rest along side her husband at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Burial Ceremony and Services will be held at the cemetery on November 9, 2021 11 AM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of SHIRLEY M. CONNOLLY, please visit our floral store.