Katherine ‘Kay’ L. Connelly, 95, Burlington, died Nov. 10, 2016, surrounded by family, at Casa Del Maré Assisted Living in Kenosha. She was born May 9, 1921, to the late Joseph and Anna (Thompson) Ill in New York City.
Her early life was spent in the Bronx where she graduated from high school and then worked for the New York Telephone Co.
After the war, on June 1, 1946, she married Joseph L. Connelly in New York. They were married for over 59 years. Following their marriage they resided in Chicago. They later resided in Deerfield, Ill., and spent their summers at their cottage in Twin Lakes. Finally, they realized their dream of owning a farm and horses. They enjoyed living on their Burlington farm for over 40 years. He died Dec. 27, 2005.
She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Questers Antiques. She was a volunteer with the Burlington Hospital Auxiliary for many years. She was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting, sewing, and painting pictures. She was a dog lover and treasured the time spent with her family. Her considerable strength and graciousness enabled her to manage life’s challenges and provide a calm refuge.
Survivors include her children, Denise (James Garrecht) Connelly, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Joseph (Anne Mason) Connelly, Wilmette, Ill., Elizabeth (René) Haebig, Kenosha, Kathleen Gavre, Menomonee Falls, Colleen (Scott) Welke, Arlington Heights, Ill., and Dr. Sheila (Steven Yolitz) Connelly, Chattanooga, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
She was further preceded in death by her siblings, Joseph (Mary) Ill, Ann (Charles) Wetter, Vince (Marie) Ill, and infant brother John Ill.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with the Rev. Russ Arnett officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 3-6 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. A Prayer Vigil is Tuesday at 5:45 p.m., at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers at Casa Del Maré Assisted Living for their care and compassion.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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