Obituary of Patricia Marie CONNELLY (nee Chase)

January 27, 1939 – Calgary, Alberta

June 17, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Pat Connelly of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the age of 82 years.

Pat was born in Calgary, AB, on January 27, 1939 to her parents, Ernest and Ernestine Chase. Pat graduated from St. Mary’s High School and went on to work with the Federal Government for twenty-five years, until her retirement in March 2004. Pat loved travel, dogs, knitting, her iPad and the many Facebook connections she had. She enjoyed challeging herself with the 'brain games' on her iPad. Overall though, Pat loved visiting with her family and grandchildren in British Columbia, Alberta, and Thailand.

Pat accomplished much through her life and was particularly proud of seeing her grandchildren graduate from high school, knowing that all her children and grandchildren are good human beings. She loved that they are mostly grown up and have settled down in their lives. Pat loved to help out animal rescue organizations, making many donations over the years. Pat’s most memorable vacation was when she travelled to Spain when she was around thirty-two, in the early 70’s, she always reflected on this experience fondly. Pat also travelled to Thailand three times, as well as Hawaii, Cuba, and Mexico three times each. She made many trips to both Vancouver and Vancouver Island over the latter years.

Grandmother Moon

I sit outside looking into the night sky

I feel like I’m transformed into a child

I gaze with wonder admiring your magnificent glow

Your wisdom illuminates like a guiding light

You are my security in the night

Grandmother,

Always watching over me

Always listening to my heart

Holding me and comforting me from the start

-Author Unknown

She will be most remembered for her beautiful and contagious smile, her sense of fun and laughter, her kindness and her open heart, and empathy toward all beings.

Pat is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne Connelly and Giovanni Di Vincenzo of Calgary Alberta; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Richard Connelly and Wathiya Moonklang of Pattaya, Thailand, and Brian Connelly and Rochelle Connelly of Fort Saskatchewan, AB; and five grandchildren, Cole Connelly, Arielle Connelly and Chalida (Nikki) Moonklang of Vancouver, BC, Nancy Connelly and Tiffany Connelly of Fort Saskatchewan, AB.

Pat is also survived by her brother Dennis Chase, two sisters, Theresa (Terry) Ancelet, and Paulette Kaiser; and lifelong friends Dolly and Wally Hlushak of Calgary, AB.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, Ernestine and Ernest Chase; nephew Jeffrey Kaiser, and her beloved pets, Muffin, Jonah and Noah, Toby and Peppy.

A Celebration of Patricia’s Life will be held at a later date with family on Vancouver Island in 2022. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

The family would like to say thank you to all of Pat’s friends, family and colleagues who have stayed connected over the years. The family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the staff of Unit 72 at Rockyview General Hospital to Pat during her extended stay.

In living memory of Patricia Connelly, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.