Katherine M. Connolly

Katherine M. Connolly, 84, of Scranton, died peacefully last Saturday morning beside her family.

Born in Scranton, daughter of the late Robert and Katherine M. Dunn Connolly, she was a graduate of West Scranton High School, class of 1955. Katherine had the smarts, as they say, with a keen knack for numbers, so her natural aptitude and tireless work ethic was rewarded with a lengthy and successful profession as an underwriter in the insurance industry. In a career spanning three decades focused on risk management, she worked for Prudential Insurance and later, for the City of Scranton, before retirement.

Kay was old school, by the book, organized and dignified, a perfect lady. She was kind, a devoted relative, a good neighbor and a trustworthy friend. Kay was well read, particularly in the subjects of history, finance and the stock market, with a soft spot for mysteries. Always taking great pride in her home on West Elm Street, her yard was her glorious garden.

Kay was also proud of her Irish heritage, as she visited The Old Sod on three occasions, celebrating Irish culture, warmth and the occasional pint.

A seasoned and curious world traveler, her favorite destinations included Italy, mainly the ruins of Rome and the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, and stateside, San Francisco, Charleston, S.C., New England, and above all, the beaches of Hawaii.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals whose attention and compassion comforted Kay so much, including VNA home health nurses Andrea Yerke and Karen Dekie, and Amy and Melissa at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, and to Dr. Karen Paczkowski at Delta Medix, for her consummate medical guidance and personal, gentle touch.

She is survived by her cousins and caregivers, Sally Douaihy, and husband Nelson, Roaring Brook Twp.; nieces, Kate Burns and Aimee Hawkins, both of Haddonfield, N.J.; a nephew, Thomas Douaihy, Philadelphia; a sister-in-law, Margaret Connolly, Scranton; nieces, Mary Grace Yanashot, Scranton, and Maureen Nemerovich, Throop; and a nephew, Attorney Patrick Connolly, Virginia Beach Va.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Connolly, Jr.

The funeral will be conducted on Friday, April 28, 2023, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Ann's Monastery and Basilica, 1223 St. Ann's St., Scranton, with burial to follow in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 323 William St., Scranton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.