Anne T. Connolly, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, November 1, 2025.  At 96 years old, she lived a long and beautiful life.

Anne was born in Somerville, the cherished daughter of James and Ora Saunders. She enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in the Davis Square neighborhood of Somerville and graduated from St. Clement High School. In 1950, she married Richard Connolly. Together, they made their home in Somerville before moving in 1958 to their forever home in Burlington, where they built a lifetime of memories and friendships.

For more than 20 years, Anne worked part-time at Jordan Marsh in Burlington as a salesclerk—a role she enjoyed, especially since it kept her well-informed about all the best bargains for her four daughters. But her most treasured role was that of mother. She took great pride in raising her girls, ensuring they were always well-dressed, well-mannered, and deeply loved.

Family time meant everything to Anne. Summer vacations were often spent together at Lake Winnisquam, where countless happy memories were made. She loved celebrating holidays—going all out for Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, and especially Thanksgiving which, for so many years, was celebrated with extended family.

When she became “Grammy” to her ten grandchildren, her heart grew even fuller. She attended their school events, sports, and activities, always making sure each grandchild felt uniquely special and loved. She delighted in playing games with them and never missed an opportunity to share in their joy.

As “Gigi” she welcomed a new generation into the family celebrating the birth of each of her 14 great-grandchildren.  More than anything, she was proud of the beautiful, loving family that she and Richard created together.

Anne and Richard enjoyed weekend dinners at the Hilltop and then later at Jimmy’s socializing with their family and close circle of friends.  They also enjoyed winter vacations in Aruba, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas. Anne proudly supported Richard in his community work and social events with the Burlington Knights of Columbus.

Outside of her family, Anne led a full and active life. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Malachy’s Church and an avid reader. She bowled in several leagues over the years and, in her later years, enjoyed participating in exercise classes at the Burlington Council on Aging, where she made new friends and stayed active.

Though Anne was a quiet and gentle soul, beneath that calm demeanor was a strong, compassionate, and deeply loving woman. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family defined her life. She embraced her roles as wife, Mom, Grammy, and Gigi with joy and gratitude, leaving behind a legacy of love that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Anne was the beloved wife of the late Richard Connolly.  She was the loving and supportive mother of Susan Connolly and her husband Stephen Ambroze of Saugus, Patricia Leary and her husband James of Amherst, NH, Kathleen Murphy of Townsend and her partner Joseph Wasile, and Teresa Tosney and her husband Joseph of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.  She was the loving grandmother of Kerri Coger and her husband James, Michael Murphy and his wife Cristina, Meredith Santerre and her husband Peter, Shawn Frotten and his wife Anne, Erin Kehoe and her husband James, Caitlin Cuevas and her husband Ariel, Brendan Leary and his wife Gina, Rachel Tosney, the late Michael Patrick DiScipio and late Joseph Tosney.  She was the great grandmother of Caden, Grace, Emily, Kelsey, Audrey, James, Abby, Brielle, Paul, Hannah, Riley, Eleanor, Lucas, and Connor.  Anne was the sister of the late James Saunders and his surviving wife Alice Saunders of Concord and the sister-in-law of the late Robert Connolly, Edward Connolly, and Beatrice Connolly.  Anne was also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Tuesday, November 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 12 at 9am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Malachy Church in St. Veronica Parish, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.

Memorials in Anne’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.