Obituary of June Marie Connolly (Kennific)

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of our dear mother, June Marie, at the Prince Edward Home on Monday, January 3, 2022. Mom was in her 90^th year.

She is survived by her children, Fr. Keith, Cheryl (Donnie) Hegarty, Susan (Chris) Rice, and Colin (Tania); by her four granddaughters, Caitlin (Billie), Maria (Shawn), Julia, and Gabrielle; her brothers, Bob (Noreen) and Gerry; her cousin, Louie, whom she considered a brother; and by many nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her infant children, Paula and William James; our father, Art; her parents, William C. and Evelyn (Murphy) Connolly; her brothers, Delano (Bonnie) and Owen (Lorraine); her sister, Yvonne (John) Vandenbraak; and her beloved aunt, Mame.

We could not have had a more loving and affectionate mother, and thank God for her presence and the example of dedication and determination she lived every day. She lived her faith. To her children she stressed the importance of education and of being informed about the world around us. She loved a political discussion. We’ll never eat a roll or a biscuit or a piece of lemon pie or a homemade doughnut without thinking of her. Nor will we see a new moon or a sunset or note the direction of the wind, admire the shape of a stately tree or watch a baseball game, and not feel her nearness.  

Mom was a 1953 graduate of the Charlottetown Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduating, it was a feather in her cap when Sister Paul of the Cross invited her to work in the operating room. She was a nursing supervisor at Hillsborough Hospital for many years and was a patient-advocate long before the term was coined. Her decades-long friends, many of whom have gone before her, were her nursing classmates.

Though Mom lived with dementia for almost 15 years, we never felt we lost her to the disease. It took its toll, but she was very much there. We appreciate everyone who recognized that, and treated her with the respect she so deserved.

Resting at Hillsboro Funeral Home, Stratford.  Due to current restrictions, there will be no visitation and a private (invitation only) funeral service will be held.  

Interment will take place at St. Theresa of the Little Flower Church Cemetery, Morell.

Donations may be made in Mom’s memory to the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry.

The Funeral video will be available for viewing here on Monday, January 10th, 2022 after 5 p.m.

Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you

(Mt. 25:34).