Catherine Doriene Connolly

Connolly, Catherine ("Cathy")

Catherine Connolly, lovingly known as "Nana" to her seven grandchildren and "Gigi" to her ten great-grandchildren.

Born on September 3, 1940, in Flint, Michigan, Cathy was the daughter of the late Wayne and Helen (Denham) Graham of Flushing. She was a lifelong resident of Flushing, where she built a beautiful life alongside her beloved husband, Dennis ("Denny") Connolly.

Cathy graduated from Flushing High School in 1959. She went on to attend Flint Community Junior College, earning her degree in 1961.

Early in her career, Cathy worked at Michigan National Bank in downtown Flint and later at DuPont. On October 6, 1962, she married the love of her life, Denny, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. In 1978, she began a long and successful career in real estate with Walter C. Todd, later becoming a member of the Flint Board of Realtors. She eventually joined the Prudential Stiehl Company, where she worked until retiring in 1996.

Cathy was deeply involved in her community. She was active for many years in the Auxiliary of the Flushing Lions Club, the Flushing PTO, and the Bucket Brigade, helping children learn to read. Cathy and Denny were also devoted chaperones for the Raider Marching Band from 1978 to 1982, traveling throughout Michigan, neighboring states, and to Florida for the Grand National Competition.

After retiring, Cathy and Denny purchased a winter home in Osprey, Florida. Cathy remained remarkably active in the park community, chairing committees for many years, including overseeing the flea market raffle for 28 years, and serving on the Social Committee.

She found joy in golf with friends, long walks, listening to music, and collecting seashells along the Florida coast-leaving behind an impressive collection. Cathy was a woman of deep faith, participating in Bible study for many years and dedicating countless hours to counted cross-stitch; completing more than thirty-five pieces, her most meaningful being a piece created for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, which now hangs in the sanctuary. She also taught CCD and served for many years as chairperson of decorations for the St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Above all else, Cathy devoted herself to her family. She was present for every aspect of her children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's lives. From 1964 through 2024, Elk Lake was her happy place-a treasured family tradition where countless memories were made.

Cathy is survived by her three children: Kimberly (Wesley) Key of Flushing; Scott (Amy) Connolly of Davison; and Laurie (Jeff) Miller of Grand Blanc.

She was the proud Nana of Meghan (Eric) Trantham, Lauren (Ryan) Abraham, Brandon Key, Jared (Maia) Connolly, Jacob (Alison) Connolly, Bradley (Kendall) Miller, and Ryan (Heaven) Miller.

She was the cherished Gigi of Pepper Key, Graham Trantham, Beatrice Trantham, Theodore Trantham, Austyn Abraham, Blake Abraham, Willow Connolly, Warren Connolly, Jameson Connolly, and Claire Connolly. Being a great-grandmother was one of her greatest blessings, and she considered it a true gift to have ten great-grandchildren.

Cathy was an only child but was blessed with a close cousin, Richard ("Dick") Mathews, formerly of Flushing, who was like a brother to her. She was especially intentional about creating a large, loving family of her own.

She was preceded in death and now reunited with her beloved husband, Denny; sister-in-law Roberta (Connolly) Wood; and great-grandson Warren Connolly.

Cathy's greatest joy in life was her family and her roles as wife, mother, Nana, and Gigi. Her family was always first, and she loved them unconditionally. She believed deeply that she and Denny had raised extraordinary children, and she took immense pride in the family they built together.

The family invites friends to help celebrate Cathy's life. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Rossell Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. with prayer service at 7:00. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at St. Robert Catholic Church in Flushing at 11 a.m. with visitation an hour prior.

As a tribute to Cathy's life, those who wish to express sympathy may consider making a donation to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital: Little Wolverines " Child and Family Life Program" in her memory in lieu of sending flowers.