Connie E. Herlihy

Cornelia ("Connie") Ellen Herlihy, 91, of Swampscott, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 29th, 2025, surrounded by her nearest and dearest.

Lifelong friends and family members were Connie's most treasured gifts. Connie put a positive, and often comical, spin on any situation. Anyone who knew Connie could attest to her sense of humor and lightening quick wit.

Connie was born on August 8, 1933, in Montclair, New Jersey, to the late John T. Coan and Helen M. (Bent) Coan. Connie grew up in Swampscott MA, attended Swampscott High School, and went on to receive a Teaching Degree from Salem State University, class of 1955. The following September, Connie married Robert ("Bob") Edward Herlihy, of Marblehead MA.

In 1966, Connie settled in Westport, CT, where she became a cherished member of the community. Connie actively engaged in local community affairs. She received a personal letter of appreciation from Westport's First Selectman, Jacqueline Heneage, for her outstanding volunteer achievements.

One of Connie's greatest passions was playing sports. She had a competitive side and enjoyed participating in many tennis and golf leagues. Her late husband, Bob, often joked that he would have to reinforce the shelves to accommodate Connie's many trophies.

As an empty nester, Connie returned to teaching. In retirement, Connie and Bob moved to Palm Coast, FL, where she enjoyed sharing her new home, playing golf and tennis, and making friends. Beloved by the Hammock Dunes community, Connie regaled members and guests with her playful poems during events and tournaments.

Connie is survived by daughters Kathleen (John Paoli) Herlihy-Paoli, Anne Herlihy (Ben Woolverton), Mary Lou Herlihy (Mark Stevens), and son, Robert (Jacqueline Borbon) Herlihy, grandson Joseph Borbon Herlihy and step grandson Mitchell Borbon Rothenberg. She was predeceased by her devoted husband and her three beloved elder siblings.

The family is filled with gratitude for the compassionate care provided to Connie by her personal caretaker Isabel Velez, her late brother Jack Coan, her nephews and nieces Mark and Heidi O'Brien, Tim O'Brien, Sister Judy O'Brien of the IHM Congregation, and many other loving fans.

In lieu of flowers, please give generously to those in need. A service for Connie will take place in Marblehead, MA in the fall of 2025.