Grand Isle - Rita G. Connolly, 78, died peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 in Grand Isle.
Rita was born in Yonkers, New York on September 14, 1938, the daughter of Thomas and Rita (Minchin) Connolly.
She began working for NY Telephone in 1956 and retired in 1991 from NYNEX.
Rita bought one of the first Mustangs in 1964, ahead of her time, she requested seat belts to be installed. She loved reading, word searches, her flower gardens, taking pictures, refinishing furniture, tending Henry and Judy's cows when they got out of the pasture and relaxing on the front porch, just watching the waves on the lake, across the road from her house.
She is survived by her younger sister Judith Richardson of Grand Isle, her very dear lifelong friend Margaret Nardone and her husband John of Danbury, CT and by their children, whom she thought of as her family, John and Ellen Nardone, Marie Vanmeter, Anthony Nardone, Michael and Chrissy Nardone, Margaret Nardone and Joseph Nardone and by their children. She is also survived by her caregiver and dear friend Kelly Partlow and husband Joel, their son Joey and daughter Grace Alice, all of Grand Isle.
She was predeceased by her favorite brother-in-law Henry Richardson on March 30, 2016.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday January 13, 2017 from 5-7pm in the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday January 14, 2017 at 11 am in the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton. Burial will follow in the Grand Isle Cemetery.