Brunswick – Shirley Estella Connolly, 93, passed away on June 11, 2019 at Bella Point Nursing Home in Freeport. She was born December 12, 1926 in Brunswick, the daughter of the late Daniel L. and Lilla (Ward) Moody – one of six children.

On August 28, 1959, she married James J. Connolly. They enjoyed 34 years of marriage until his death in 1993.

In her retirement she enjoyed traveling with her husband to England to visit their son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. She also cherished the memories of visiting her husband’s relatives in Ireland.

She and her husband owned Brunswick Reupholstering Co., which they successfully ran for approximately 30 years. She was an expert pattern maker, cutter, and sewer in the business. She made the most amazing slipcovers and people often remarked about what a wonderfully talented seamstress she was.

She wasn’t a great cook though not for lack of trying. In fact, her husband would often joke, “She treats me like a god, she’s always giving me burnt offerings.”

She had a lovely soprano voice and sang in the chorus with the Respite Care Group in Brunswick as well as always lending her voice to many family “Happy Birthday” celebrations.

She and her husband dined out quite often at many places around Brunswick and Portland including Duval’s Bakery on Cushing Street for their coffee breaks and the old Clare’s Restaurant. After her husband’s passing, she became a frequent patron of The Broadway Deli, where you could see her holding court every day and showing anyone who would look, her may photographs of her children and grandchildren whom she was so proud.

She was a lifetime member of The Berean Baptist Church and enjoyed visiting with the Missionaries at the Nursing Home where they would sing together.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sons Ronald M. and James B., brothers Chester, Kenneth and Daniel, and one sister.

She is survived by daughter Joyce M. Ruth and her husband Larry: daughter Nancy J. Sherin and her husband John, Grandchildren Jamie Leaton and her husband Kelly, Jessie Frederick and her husband Kelly, Joe Ruth and his wife Jess, Jonathan Ruth and his wife Becca, Jennifer O’Brien and her husband Sean, Maggie Moynihan and her husband Kevin, Christopher Connolly and his wife Angie, Shawn Connolly and his wife Thuy and Dale Connolly; great-grandchildren Mindy, Skye, LaShanna, Joey, Jordan, James, Tommy, Jenna, Emma, Bailey, and Fox Daniel.

A Funeral Service will be held at The Berean Baptist Church in Brunswick on  June 21 at 11 a.m.