Barbara Ann (Flaherty) Connolly, a beloved member of the South Portland community, passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 91 in Pineville, North Carolina, surrounded by her family. Known for her deep faith and vibrant spirit, Barbara’s life was marked by her strong connections to her family, friends, and the organizations she cherished.
Born in 1933, Barbara was the eldest child of Barbara (Davis) and Andrew Flaherty. She grew up on Munjoy Hill in Portland, where she attended Cathedral Grammar School and later Cathedral High School, serving as President of the Class of 1951. Her sister Mary introduced her to a classmate, Roger Connolly, whom she married in 1959, embarking on a partnership that spanned 66 years.
In 1962, the couple settled in a family-friendly neighborhood on Walnut Street, where they raised their two children, Michael and Maureen. Barbara dedicated countless hours to community service, significantly improving the Frank I. Brown School library and serving as President of the Parent Teacher Association. As a communicant of Holy Cross Church, she contributed actively to parish life.
Barbara’s professional journey began with an eight-year tenure at New England Tel and Tel. As her children grew, she transitioned to working in two local daycares. Eventually, she found her passion in libraries, holding positions at AAA of New England and later with the Warren Library and the South Portland Public Library, particularly at the Branch, where her love for literature and community thrived.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Roger Connolly, her son Michael of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and her daughter Maureen and son-in-law John Cunningham of Pineville, NC. Her family also includes nephews Stephen Mitchell and Dr. Timothy Mitchell, as well as her cousin Anne Davis Griffin.
She took immense joy in her grandchildren, including Meghan Cunningham, Patrick Cunningham, and Kathryn Connolly, and cherished her great-grandchildren, Roger and Clara Takach, whose presence brought her happiness. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her sister Mary, and brother-in-law Joseph Mitchell.
Barbara’s unwavering faith and zest for life touched many. She was active in various social groups, including the “club ladies” and the “library ladies,” and her home was known for its warm hospitality, where visitors were always welcomed with tea, food, and laughter.
Final Farewell and Community Tribute
Visitation will take place from 16:00 to 18:00 on Wednesday, October 22, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home located at 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 on Thursday, October 23, at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland, with interment following at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Maine, located at 250 Bracket Street, Portland, ME 04102, or the South Portland Food Cupboard, 130 Thadeus Street, South Portland, ME 04106, both of which Barbara supported throughout her life.
Barbara Ann Connolly’s legacy of love, generosity, and community service will be remembered fondly by those whose lives she touched.
