Connolly, Helen Frances "Cindy"
"Heroes Often Fail" - Gordon Lightfoot
Our beloved mom and mammie passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Sept. 12, 2023.
Born in Antigonish, she was the daughter the of late Daniel Archibald MacDonald and Catherine Florence "Tat" MacDonald, both of Antigonish.
She raised her family with her devoted and loving husband, Stephen, in beautiful Guysborough Intervale, guided by a deep faith, family values, and tradition. Cindy was so grateful to have her children grow up surrounded by unconditional love, and with devoted grandparents, cousins, and good friends all around them. Her family was her pride and joy, and she never overlooked her blessings. She was deeply proud of her children and grandchildren and was never more present and attentive than when she was with them. She cherished her time with her siblings as well. Cindy was an avid sports fan and would be equally engaged watching the Blue Jays or her grandchildren’s little league games. She was happiest when serving others- feeding her family, baking with her grandchildren, offering an ear and advice to anyone who needed it, and always making sure that the people around her felt seen, supported, and celebrated. In all situations she was loving, accepting, and non-judgmental. She loved to laugh and could always get a laugh out of others, even in her final days. Cindy spent no time feeling sorry for herself and preferred to focus her attention on the love and beauty all around her, and in doing so, she always experienced abundance and wanted for nothing.
Survived by her husband of 44 years, Stephen Connolly, mother-in-law, Anna Connolly, daughter Carolyn (Ivan Aikens), son Eric (Terri), son James (Sarah George) and daughter Valerie (Derek Felderhof); siblings Maureen (Gus Farrell), Brenda (Len McKeough), Dianne (Alex Pettipas), Danny (Marian), Mary (Chris Brazeau), Colleen (Dave MacKenzie), Bernadette (John Delorey); grandchildren Annika, Maddy, Ewan, Ira, Farrah, Noah, Niall, Lucinda; and all of her nieces and nephews she shared special relationships with, as well as her dear friends.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by infant brother, Gary, father-in-law, Leonard Connolly, and brother-in-law, Paul.
Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish on Monday, September 18th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 19th at 10:00 am in St. Ninian Cathedral with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Guysborough Intervale. Memorial donations may be made to Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation (Renal Dialysis Unit). Online condolences: www.clcurry.com