Christine Sophie Connolly

DANVERS - Christine Sophie (Joly) Connolly, 91, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Robert F. Connolly, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Salem on April 11, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Sophie (Predki) Joly. She attended Salem public schools, graduating from Salem High School in 1950. After graduation, she worked as a switchboard operator for the Telephone Company in Salem where she met Lorraine Pousman, her dearest friend of 70 years. Christine’s favorite past time was attending family gatherings, supporting her children in all their endeavors and cheering on her grandchildren at sporting events, school activities and dance recitals. She was a talented knitter, enjoyed sewing, a good game of rummy, and baking sweet treats. As a Red Sox and Patriots fan, she enjoyed following their many championship seasons. She enjoyed wintering in sunny California, visiting wineries, national parks and strolling the beaches. Christine was co-owner of Chris’ Gas Station and Chris’ Convenience Store, where she worked side by side with her husband and children. She is survived by four children, Timothy Connolly and his wife, Diane of Arizona, Deborah Wilson and her husband, Peter of Danvers, Maureen Miller of Danvers, Michael Connolly and his wife, Carolyn of Peabody, her siblings, Louise Lawrence of Florida and Dorothy Arathuzik of Topsfield, eight grandchildren, Leigha Connolly, Haley Miller and Jacob Miller, Alexander and Loni Sanford-Wilson, Maura and Tyler Linster, Craig and Cailey Wilson, Douglas Connolly and Jillian Connolly, two great grandchildren Elias and Lucia and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Richard Joly and Carol Dansreau. Her Funeral Service will be celebrated at 10AM on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, North St., Salem. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Christine’s name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or The Susan B Komen Foundation at www.komen.org. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com