Lasting Memories
Dorothy Connelly
Sept. 25, 1928-Aug. 8, 2012
Atherton, California
Dorothy (Dot) Connelly, 83, died on August 8, 2012, surrounded by her family. After her second bout with lung cancer, she is finally with her husband, Bob, whom she missed so much after a remarkable marriage of 52 years. She was loved by her children Sue, Kelly, Rob, and Carolyn (Regan); son-in-law Rob; and their grandchildren Kelly, Kristen, Caitlin, Heather, Joe, Lauren, Erin, Kevin and Brendan Regan.
Dot’s biggest passions were her family and her deep Catholic faith. She was an inspiration to her children and to many by putting her faith into action, while being very compassionate and loving. Although she was quite shy, she courageously stood up for the rights of others, and was especially active in pro-life work ministering to women in crisis and protecting unborn children. She bravely put herself on the line, willingly accepting time in jail for peaceful protest, in the tradition of the civil rights movement.
Dot grew up in New York, and graduated from the University of New Mexico with three degrees -- but was too shy to attend her own graduation! She followed her love of adventure by joining Pan Am as a stewardess during the golden days of flight in the 1950s, donning the beloved “Pan Am blue” uniform. She lived in post-war London, and traveled all over the world. She had a special love for Hong Kong, Beirut and Austria (where she earned the difficult "Goldenes Skibuch" accreditation for skiing all of the tough runs in Kitzbuhel despite being a novice skier).
She moved to San Francisco where she met Bob. They married at Carmel Mission where Dot, characteristically, came out through a side aisle since she was too shy to walk down the length of the church! They created a wonderful life together, raising their family in Atherton. With Bob’s sense of humor -- and Dot’s ability to laugh at even the oldest jokes -- the family home was filled with lots of laughter and good stories. Dot and Bob were surrounded by a great circle of friends from their community, Sharon Heights Country Club, and the close parish of The Church of the Nativity.
Rosary and Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00AM at the Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Grove Avenue, Menlo Park.
Any gifts may be given to Nativity School Endowment Fund: http://www.nativityschool.com.
Aug. 17, 2012
Dot was always consistently upbeat, loving, and supportive, despite my life choices which differ with Catholic dogma. Love came first with her -- and God is Love, right? She has been the very best friend to my mother, who learned a lot about friendship from Dot. I also remember a Christmas party at the Connelly's when I was probalby ten years old. All the children were allowed a tiny glass of champagne -- so I kept getting in line. If a little is good, then more must be better, eh? Needless to say, my father drove me home early.
Aug. 15, 2012
Dot's lovely smile and gracious manner brought joy and serenity to many. Her quietly standing up for truth, sometimes at great personal cost, inspired many. Her life continues to inspire and act as a role model. May she rest in peace and perpetual joy!