Barbara Ann (Flaherty) Connolly, a beloved member of the South Portland community, passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 91 in Pineville, North Carolina, surrounded by her family. Born in 1933 to Barbara (Davis) and Andrew Flaherty, she spent her formative years on Munjoy Hill in Portland, where she became known for her leadership and dedication to her community.
Early Life and Education
Barbara attended Cathedral Grammar School and Cathedral High School, where she served as President of the Class of 1951. It was during high school that she met her future husband, Roger Connolly, thanks to her sister Mary, who introduced them. The couple married in 1959, embarking on a journey of 66 years together.
In 1962, they purchased a home on Walnut Street, establishing a family-friendly environment that nurtured their two children, Michael and Maureen. Barbara’s commitment to her community was evident through her active involvement at Frank I. Brown School, where she dedicated countless hours to enhancing the school and community library, even serving as President of the Parent-Teacher Association.
Career and Community Involvement
Barbara’s professional life began at New England Tel and Tel, where she worked for eight years before transitioning into early childhood education at local daycares. Her passion for literature and community service led her to significant roles at the Warren Library and the South Portland Public Library, particularly at the Branch location, where she thrived among colleagues who shared her love for books and community engagement.
A devoted member of Holy Cross Church, Barbara contributed to various parish activities and was deeply involved in prayer groups. Her faith and genuine kindness made a lasting impact on those around her. She was known for her warm hospitality, welcoming friends and family into her home, where tea, laughter, and love were always in abundance.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Roger Connolly, her son Michael of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and her daughter Maureen Connolly, along with son-in-law John Cunningham of Pineville, North Carolina. She leaves behind a cherished family, including grandchildren Meghan Cunningham, Patrick Cunningham, and Kathryn Connolly, as well as great-grandchildren Roger and Clara Takach.
Her legacy extends to her nephews, Stephen and Dr. Timothy Mitchell, and her cousin, Anne Davis Griffin, who all remember her fondly. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her sister Mary Mitchell, and her brother-in-law Joseph Mitchell.
Final Arrangements and Legacy
Visitation for Barbara will be held on October 22, 2025, from 16:00 to 18:00 at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home in South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 on October 23 at Holy Cross Church, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery. Friends and family are encouraged to visit the memorial page to leave condolences and share memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ronald McDonald House of Maine or the South Portland Food Cupboard, both of which Barbara supported throughout her life. Her deep faith, compassion, and joy for living have left an indelible mark on the lives she touched.
