It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our
loving father, Kenneth Edward Connolly, age 97, who died peacefully at
home surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 20,
2022.
Born December 13, 1924, in Guysborough Intervale where he
lived his entire life, he was the son of the late Edward and Christina
(Chisholm) Connolly.
Dad was a wonderful father to 9 children, teaching us values
and wisdom that has guided our hearts and is instilled in our minds
forever. He would often be found on the kitchen rocker
singing to or bouncing one of the kids/grandchildren. He was a sweet,
kind, humble and gentle man. On so many occasions, he would openly
share his feelings of deep love and gratitude that could tug at our
heart strings. His son Jerome’s quote “he
could get a tear out of a rock” described Dad
perfectly.
Dad was a devoted catholic, always bestowing and practicing
his love and faith in God daily. He was a strong tory and was always
involved during election times. Dad loved sharing stories of his past
experiences with most ending in his cherished hearty
laugh.
Dad was a hard working man and a farmer who lived off the
land. He raised livestock, chickens, pigs, large potato fields, and
vegetable gardens to provide for his family. He cut pulp wood and
harvested Christmas trees over his lifetime and in later years with
his son, Peter. Summers were spent in the hay fields and Dad baled hay
into his 90’s. He had a profound appreciation for the land
and was well connected to nature. Dad was a sharp card player,
enjoying many family and community card games with Mom as his partner.
He was always up for a game of auction and the banging on the table
could be heard for miles along with the laughter. He had a bounce in
his step when the music started, and always wanted to hit the dance
floor. Dad and Mom traveled to many dances through the years. Dad had
a love for many songs and sang along to them. His passion of music
started with his parents’ lively kitchen parties in his
younger years. It continues to grow and is a big part in the next
generations. On a day off, Dad could be seen hunting on his property
or fishing his favorite lake, Three Cornered Lake, with his friends,
sons or brothers. In his later years, he could be seen doing his daily
walk up the Intervale road, which kept him fit to live his ripe old
age.
Survived by 7 children, Theresa, Saint John NB; Philip
(Mary), Guysborough Intervale; Martin, Antigonish; Dorothy Delorey,
Antigonish; Joanne Davis (John), CT; Laura Gabriel (Charlie), Lower
Sackville; Alice Embree (Art), Cole Harbour; daughters-in-law Rose
Connolly, Antigonish and Maxine Connolly, Guysborough Intervale;
brother Cyril (Grace) Connolly, Truro; sisters-in-law Anna Connolly
and Bessie Connolly, Guysborough Intervale; brother-in-law Clarence
Long, Erinville, and many special nieces and nephews. He was dearly
loved and proud of 25 grandchildren and 27
great-grandchildren.
Recently predeceased by his dear wife, Margaret (nee
O’Connor), spending almost 74 years together, daughter
Virginia, sons Jerome and Peter, son-in-law Joe Delorey and
great-granddaughter, Gwyneth Bowie, brothers Ronald (Rita), Eric
(Lydia), John, Leonard, and sister Irene Long.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ranjini, the Palliative
Care Team, the nurses and special staff at the Guysborough Home
Support Agency, especially Mary Ann who was so good to her “old
chappy.” A special thank you to Shirley (Temple) for her loving,
compassionate care and dedication she showed to our
dad.
Visitation Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, at
St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, with funeral at 11 am August 24
at St. Patrick’s Church, Guysborough Intervale, with Father
Anthony O’Connor officiating, assisted by Father Callistus
Abazie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St.
Patrick’s Building Fund.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dennis
Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough. Words of comfort may be
forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com.
To quote
Dad’s famous last words “God Bless
You.”
Rest in
Peace.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth Edward Connolly 1924 2022..
Dennis Haverstocks funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Guysborough, Province: Nova Scotia