Helen Mary Connolly

Helen Connolly (nee O’Leary), a parishioner of Most Precious Blood church and life-long resident of Queens, NY, died of Covid19 complications on April 1st 2020 at the age of 85 in Mt Sinai Queens hospital.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas Connolly; her five children, Thomas Connolly Jr. and his wife, Sandra Conway ; Eileen Connolly Goodwin and her fiancé, George Karotseris; Maureen Connolly; Kevin Connolly and Kathleen Mazza and her husband Gary Chapman; and her four grandchildren, Gillian Connolly Goodwin; Justin Connolly Goodwin and his wife Brianne Fuchs; Kaitlin Mazza and Vincent Mazza. She is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and is predeceased by her brother, Patrick O’Leary and his wife, Sally and joins her brother, William O’Leary, and sisters, Joan Walsh and Kathleen O’Leary in death.

Helen was born on February 18, 1935 in Astoria, Queens to William and Nellie O’Leary. She graduated from Bishop McDonnell High School and went on to study and work at New York University. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Thomas Connolly and together they began a life of family and travel. Helen, ever the adventurer, traveled to six continents in her lifetime, showing love, pardon, faith, hope, light and joy for all people and cultures. Helen was always happy to come home to the best city in the world, her beloved NYC. She was an avid reader and historian.

Helen lived a life of faith and was truly an instrument of God’s peace. She defended equality and voiced (sometimes loudly) her objections to injustice all over the world but especially in the US and her kindred Ireland. She loved animals and tended to numerous neighborhood furry and feathered friends. In giving, she received, placing a cup of tea and biscuit in front of all who gathered at her table. She is in our hearts, she is in our souls, and she will live on in the hearts of the many who loved her. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday September 26th at 10:30 am in Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church, 32-23 36th Street Astoria. Burial will be at a later date at convenience of the family.

May she rest in Peace.