Elizabeth Anne Connolly

Elizabeth Anne (Gannon) Connolly, age 94, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward M. Connolly with whom she shared 30 years of marriage until his passing in 1986.

She was born in Lowell, MA on December 7, 1931 and was the daughter of the late John and Mary Elizabeth (McCartin) Gannon. She was the stepdaughter of the late Anna (Harrington) Gannon.

Elizabeth was raised in Chelmsford, MA, attended Chelmsford schools and then graduated from Lowell Teachers College. She worked, for many years, as an elementary school teacher. She spent the majority of her teaching career at the Westlands School in Chelmsford, MA. She was a communicant and active member of St. Mary’s Church for over 75 years.

Elizabeth lived a busy, active life. Her favorite activity was spending time with and cooking for family and friends, especially if chocolate was on the menu. She also loved spending time at her beach house in Popponesset on Cape Cod where she had many friends and memories.

She loved traveling and visiting places all over the world, especially with her dear friends, the “Golden Girls”, Gerry Belanger, Janice Gosselin and Kay Menzie.

Elizabeth leaves her two children, Edward M. Connolly, Jr. and Gail of Westford, MA and Kathleen Marandola and John Charrow of Tyngsboro, MA.

She leaves five grandchildren, Matthew Connolly and Karrina, Brian Connolly, and Kathryn Connolly, all of Westford, MA, and Kayla Williams and Alex, and Joseph Marandola and fiancé Kelly, both of Nashua, NH.

Elizabeth had many nieces and nephews from the Gannon and Connolly families. She was especially close to the Leahey family. She was known as “Bang” to Ann Pelley, Daniel Leahey, Martha Kinney, Peter Leahey and Ellen Woodlock.

In addition to her loving husband, Elizabeth is predeceased by her sister Mary Frances “Fran” Leahey and her brother James Gannon.

Elizabeth’s family would like to thank her long-time caregiver Matina Cunningham for her amazing love and care these past six years. We would also like to thank The Saab Residence at D’Youville in Lowell for four wonderful years of caring and compassionate service from their wonderful staff members.

Memorial donations may be made in Elizabeth’s name to Table of Plenty in Chelmsford, Inc., PO Box 321, Chelmsford, MA 01824 https://tableofplentyinchelmsford.org/ or any charity of your choice.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 8:30 – 10am at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St. Chelmsford, MA. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated later that day at 11am at St. Mary’s Parish, 25 North Rd. Chelmsford, MA. Interment to follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford.