Mary Theresa Connolly, 84, of Manchester, beloved wife of 62 years to James W. Connolly, Sr. died Sunday (January 6, 2013) at Manchester Memorial Hospital surrounded by four generations of family after a long battle with Myasthenia-Gravis. Born in Kensington, CT she was raised and lived in Manchester, the daughter of the late Angelo and Santina (Bertotti) Giola and had attended Manchester schools. Mary was a long time communicant of St. James Church, Manchester and was formerly a member of their choir. She also volunteered at St. James School as a room mother and volunteered for many years at St. Mary's Home, West Hartford. Prior to her marriage she was employed by Cheney Brothers of Manchester. A simple woman, her greatest joy in life was spending time with family and friends, especially cooking and celebrating with them, as the holidays were her favorite time. Besides her husband, she is survived by her children James W. Connolly, Jr. and his wife Wendy of Columbia, Marian E. Doucette and her husband Robert Sr. of Glastonbury, Angela M. Peretto and her husband Michael of Manchester, Brian E. Connolly and his wife Kimberley of South Windsor, Gary V. Connolly and his companion Kim Arcata of Hebron, and Mark R. Connolly and his wife Gayle of Manchester; her grandchildren Sean, Jennifer and Nicole; Robert Jr., Michael and Elizabeth; Kaitlin, Joseph and Lauren; Brian II; Erin, Gary, and Mary, and their mother Joanne; and Amanda, Sarah, and Patrick; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Robert Giola and his wife Margaret of Manchester, the breakfast club, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday (January 11th) at 10:30 am at St. James Church 896 Main St. Manchester, followed by burial in St. James Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center Street Manchester on Thursday from 4-8 pm. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc.355 Lexington Avenue, 15th Floor New York, NY 10017 For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.