Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Donnelly

Mary Elizabeth Morrison Donnelly, of New Milford, Conn., formerly of Fairfield, Conn., died June 29, 2017, at her home at Candlewood Lake Club, surrounded by her family, including her husband of 63 years, Dr. Vincent Donnelly, and her seven adoring children. She was 87. Mary was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on March 13, 1930, to Ewen and Ann Morrison. While growing up, she lived adventurously, learning to swim with the seals in Northwest Arm of Halifax, and obtaining her pilot’s license in order to fly Piper Cubs. Mary attended Royal Victoria Hospital School of Nursing in Montreal, where her lifelong love story began. There, she met American Vincent Donnelly, who was attending medical school at McGill University. Their shared sense of humor and adventure created an instant connection, and they were married on her birthday in 1954. After the birth of their first two daughters, the couple moved to the United States and first moved to Bridgeport, Conn., where Vincent began his more than 50-year career as a surgeon and teacher at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and Mary embarked on her lifelong journey, raising her seven children. The family ultimately settled in Fairfield, where they lived for the next 45 years. Mary was a true caretaker, well beyond her career as a nurse. She opened her heart and home to friends, family, and strangers alike, all of whom were charmed by her grace and moved by her generosity. She was an involved member of the Fairfield community for decades. She was a member of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, worked tirelessly with the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Vincent’s Hospital, and was a passionate volunteer at the Fairfield Audubon Society and the Mill River Wetlands Committee. She will be remembered most of all for her love of dancing; her passion for gatherings with friends and family; driving too fast; and swimming in all weather. In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by her sister, Christine Morrison MacGillivary (and Robert) of Halifax, Nova Scotia; her children, Shawn O’Sullivan (and Patrick) of Fairfield, Tertia Goodwin of London, England, Caroline Erni (and Doug) of Irvington, NY, Peter Donnelly (and Kim) of Brookfield, CT, Michael Donnelly (and Pat) of Glastonbury, CT, James Donnelly (and Mary) of Monroe, CT, and Sydney Leggett (and Chris) of Gilford, NH; and 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2017 from 3-7 p.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. directly at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, followed by burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Vincent’s Medical Foundation, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com