Elizabeth “Bessie” Isabel Connolly

1932 -2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, Elizabeth “Bessie” Isabel Connolly, 91, of Guysborough Intervale, on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, in Guysborough Memorial Hospital, with her loving family by her side.

Bessie was born on May 13, 1932, on North Riverside to Ernest and Eva (Marr) Hall. After beginning her journey as a schoolteacher in the local communities of Guysborough, she dedicated her life to caring for her family.

A true epitome of patience and unconditional love, Bessie saw the best in everyone and approached life with unwavering positivity. Her laughter was infectious, her work ethic unparalleled, and her wit unmatched. She radiated love, which manifested in simple gestures like making French toast, extending warm hospitality, and faded dinosaur books.

Bessie cherished life's simple pleasures—books and poetry, long chats with her sisters, heartfelt prayers, and friendly card games. Her kitchen was a haven where she excelled at baking the best bread, keeping her cookie tin perpetually full, and ensuring the teapot was always ready. She was a steadfast presence, always there when needed, and her courage and patience will forever be etched in our hearts.

Bessie is survived by her sister, Florence Kelly of Roman Valley; her children, Leo (Beverly) Kelley of Halifax; Phoebe Cleary of Guysborough Intervale; and Darlene (Allan) Myers of Guysborough Intervale; daughter-in-law, Shelley Flavin of Calgary; cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, John; sons, Wayne Connolly and Kenneth Flavin; brothers, John (Reva) Hall, James Hall, Charles Hall, and Parker Hall; sisters, Gertrude (Alphonse) David and Margaret in infancy; brothers-in-law, Bernard Kelly, Ronald (Rita) Connolly, Kenneth (Margaret) Connolly, Eric (Lydia) Connolly, Cyril (Grace) Connolly, Lenard (Anna) Connolly; sister-in-law, Irene (Clarence) Long; and son-in-law, Duane Cleary.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Guysborough Memorial Hospital and the Milford Haven Home for their exceptional care. A special acknowledgment to Dr. Ranjini for her dedicated care over the years. They are also grateful for all those who took the time to provide music and entertainment at the Milford Haven Home, activities that never failed to brighten Bessie's day.

A wake will be held on Monday, April 8, from 4-7 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 54 Queen St., Guysborough.  The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 9, at 2 p.m., in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Guysborough Interval with Father Gerald David officiating. Burial to follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the recreation department at the Milford Haven Home would be greatly appreciated.

Bessie's legacy of love and resilience will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com