Ann Johnston Connelly, 83 of Coventry, CT beloved wife of William Walsh Connelly who passed February 20th, 2005 died Monday October 17th at Rockville General Hospital after a brief illness with her family by her side. Ann was born May 30, 1933 in Lockerbie, Scotland, daughter of the late William and Jane (Ferrish) Johnston. She and her siblings grew up in an orphanage where “Little Orphan Annie” gathered memories both fond and difficult and developed a strength of spirit that shined throughout her life. At 5 feet tall, Annie played attacking center for her school basketball team and met her future husband Bill at the age of 19 at a local dance. With nervous excitement she traveled across the pond at the age of 20 to join her beloved Bill. Several years later she was able to bring her treasured sister, Helen to America to join her.

Ann was a full time wife and mother for many years raising her five children and making her home both beautiful and welcoming. After her youngest went to school she applied her propensity for math to her work as a bookkeeper until retirement. Throughout her life she made many strong cherished friendships both in Connecticut and in Florida where she and Bill resided for 11 years.

Ann (aka Nana Banana) is predeceased by her husband, William of 51 years and her sister Helen. She is survived by her three sons, Michael Connelly and Susie of Colorado, Patrick Connelly and wife Diane of Plainville and William (Billy) Connelly Jr. and wife Meghan of Mansfield; two daughters, Helen Juliano and significant other Michael Bianchini of Tolland, Kathleen Polhemus and husband Jeffrey of Coventry; Grandchildren, Danielle, Jason, Katlyn, Del, Christina, Chelsea, Jessica, Daniel, Shannon, Zachary, Lindsay, Benjamin, Chelsea, Joshua, Holly, Jeff, Seth, Tommy, Sami; Great grandchildren Micah, Huck, Chase and Aniyah, several nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be private; there will be no calling hours. Coventry Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. Memorial Contributions may be made in Ann's name to the Lupus Foundation of America, at www.lupus.org or the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org.

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