Marti Mae Connolly

Marsha "Marti" Connolly (1946-2024)

Marti, a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, at the age of 77, surrounded by her husband, four daughters, and family. She leaves a legacy of love, adventure, and dedication that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Marti developed a love for life and adventure at an early age. Her childhood in the city was filled with exploration and wonder, and she spent many days playing at Pine Lake and Golden Gate Park, where she first met her future husband, Jim. During her time at Lincoln High School, afternoons were spent at Pine Lake and Kelly's Cove, where her friendship with Jim continued to grow. After graduating high school, she enrolled at City College of San Francisco and spent time dancing with the San Francisco Ballet, embracing her passion for the arts. Her artistic spirit continued as she pursued a career in the music industry, working for Warner Bros. Records where she worked with the promotion team, supporting a variety of musical artists. Her time there was filled with excitement, working alongside what would become lifelong friends and contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of the time.

In 1970, Marti and Jim started to build their life together. They shared a deep love of the outdoors, sailing, skiing, RVing, and hiking, passions they passed on to their daughters. Marti believed in the magic of making memories, from adventurous family outings to the joy of being together at home.

Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of delicious meals she prepared with her daughters by her side. Whether cooking together, making creative costumes, or spending time fishing, Marti treasured every moment with her family. She was the heart and soul of every gathering, bringing people together and ensuring everyone felt welcome and loved.

Her love for children extended far beyond her own family. Marti spent over 25 years as a dedicated preschool teacher, shaping the lives of countless young minds. Her nurturing spirit and kindness left a lasting impression on the many families she came to know over the years, forming relationships that extended far beyond the classroom.

Marti is survived by her husband, Jim, her daughters Lauren, Colleen, Danielle, and Erin, her beloved grandchildren, and a large extended family of friends and loved ones whose lives she touched. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, former students, and all those lucky enough to have known her.

Services will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1000 Cambridge Street, Novato, California; Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Action Marin (camarin.org) in honor of her lifelong dedication to children and education.

The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to Marti's doctors at UCSF for their tireless dedication to the fight against cancer and Hospice By The Bay for their support of Marti and her family.