Obituary of Carolyn May Connolly

Obituary of Carolyn May Elizabeth Connolly

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Carolyn May Elizabeth Connolly (née Lipton), on October 29th, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on July 18th, 1942, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Carolyn was the cherished daughter of John Francis Lipton and Jean (Sanford) Lipton. The second oldest of six children—and the only girl—she was the adored “Sis” among her five brothers. She is predeceased by her beloved brothers Richard (Sheila), Barry, and Brian (Karen), and is lovingly remembered by her brothers John Jr. (Corrine) and Mark (Kelly).

Carolyn was a proud “Dartmouthian” who spent most of her life growing up and raising her own family there. She attended Dartmouth High School, where she met her sweetheart and first love, Gordon Haley. The two married on November 9th, 1963, and welcomed a son before Gordon’s unexpected passing in November of 1964. Despite life’s early heartbreak, Carolyn’s strength and grace never wavered. Her ability to seamlessly blend loved ones together and nurture lasting family bonds was one of her greatest gifts. Her mother-in-law Minnie “Tookie” Rutherford, sister-in-law Marilyn Branson (Peter), niece Andrea, and nephew Eric (and their families) remained treasured parts of her life.

Carolyn was blessed with a second great love, James (Jim) Joseph Connolly—a serendipitous meeting when her car broke down near the Halifax Airport. Jim stopped to help even though he was never known for his mechanical skills. They discovered they both worked at the Halifax Airport and their love story ensued. They married on August 24th, 1968, and shared over 50 healthy years of love, laughter, and partnership until Jim’s passing on April 11th, 2022. 

Together, Carolyn and Jim raised their three children—Neville Connolly (Linda), Tony Connolly (Allyson), and Lisa (née Connolly) Beck (Chris). Their home was a welcoming haven: full of warmth, love, and constant laughter. No matter how busy or chaotic life became the tradition of sitting down together for family meals was a constant. “Nanny”—was the proud grandmother to nine cherished grandchildren: Noah (Sara), Greg, Julia, Josef, Sophie, Jacquelyn, Haley, Sarah, and Alexa who were the light of her life. Nanny was happiest when surrounded by her grandkids—showering them with love, affection, and perhaps a few too many treats. Carolyn was also a loving aunt to 27 nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Lifelong memories were made spending summers at Carolyn’s family cottage in Medford Beach and later at Cockscomb Lake. She found serenity and joy near the water, surrounded by those she loved most. Carolyn and Jim were most at ease when entertaining in their home extending their warmth and hospitality to all. Throughout the years, they hosted countless gatherings- none more memorable than their legendary Christmas open houses. They were deeply grateful for the many dear friends who became their extended family. Carolyn and Jim traveled the world extensively with friends and never missed a chance to visit their family, no matter how far away they lived.

Carolyn worked part-time as a receptionist for several organizations, most notably the law firms Stewart McKelvie, Kitz Matheson (later Patterson Kitz), as well as with LASMO. Her kindness, quick wit, and genuine care for others made her beloved wherever she went.

Mom was endlessly generous with her time and love. She led by example, teaching her family lessons of compassion, humility, and resilience. She was funny, feisty, and full of life—famous for her sharp wit, contagious laughter, and the kind of “church giggles” that could never be contained. Mom had a natural gift for making everyone in her presence feel fortunate to be so. She delighted in life’s simple pleasures: a warm cup of tea, a game of crib with Dad, a good book, Sunday drives, music, gardening, and long chats with friends. Most often, Mom could be found in her kitchen, cooking and baking for those she loved.

Mom lived by one guiding belief: “Family First.” She embodied that every day—as a devoted daughter, a loyal sister, a loving wife, an extraordinary mother, and a deeply devoted grandmother. Her love was steady, unconditional, and immeasurable.

The last eight years of Mom’s life were profoundly challenging as dementia gradually took hold. Yet even through her heartbreaking journey, her spirit continued to shine. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at Arborstone Enhanced Care who lovingly cared for Mom during her early years there. An immense thank you to the exceptional staff at The Sagewood (Hummingbird Cottage) who treated mom as family with steadfast compassion, love, and dignity during her final journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Owls Club, 34 Oakdale Crescent, Dartmouth, NS, on Sunday November 23rd from 2–4 p.m. Brief tributes will begin at 2:30 p.m. Please join us to raise a glass and enjoy some Ol’ School Donuts in mom’s honour.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please honour Carolyn’s memory by being kind, paying a good deed forward, and loving unconditionally—just as she always did.