Senate Resolution No. 2486

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Doreen M. Connolly,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Doreen M. Connolly, an extraordinary woman
of indomitable faith and dedication whose purposeful life will long
serve as a standard to which others might aspire; and

WHEREAS, Doreen M. (O'Connor) Connolly, of Wynantskill, New York,
died on Friday, January 3, 2020, at the age of 83; and

WHEREAS, Born in Troy, New York, Doreen M. Connolly graduated from
Catholic Central High School at 16 years old, a fact for which she was
very proud; she went on to graduate from St. Mary's Hospital School of
Nursing in Amsterdam, New York, becoming a Registered Nurse; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to her profession, Doreen M. Connolly was employed
at both the VA Hospital in Albany, New York, and the Leonard Hospital in
Troy; and

WHEREAS, While working as a Registered Nurse, Doreen met her beloved
Thomas Connolly, whom she would wed on September 14, 1957; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman began her governmental career working
as a nurse for the New York State Training School for Girls in
Wynantskill; she then went on to attend Hudson Valley Community College
where she would graduate with the first class from the Mortuary Science
program in 1972; in 1973, Doreen M. Connolly became a Licensed Funeral
Director after completing her apprenticeship; and

WHEREAS, Continuing her career in government, Doreen M. Connolly
became the Town Clerk of North Greenbush, a Rensselaer County Legislator
and Rensselaer County Clerk, for which she is the only woman to have
held that position; and

WHEREAS, Showing great strength and selflessness, Doreen M. Connolly
spent countless hours offering her love, support and guidance to the
children and people in her life, acting as a role model and inspiring
them to develop to their fullest potential; and

WHEREAS, Doreen M. Connolly is predeceased by her cherished husband,
Thomas, her parents, and her beloved sister, Pat; she is survived by her
daughter, Kathryn (Jeff), and son, Thomas (Sharon); her treasured
grandsons, Thomas and Ryan; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and
cousins; as well as her main care givers, Lisa and Nancy; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Doreen M. Connolly leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Doreen M. Connolly, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Doreen M. Connolly.