Jennifer L. Connelly

Jennifer L. (Dalfino) Connelly (January 9, 1972-August 31, 2025) of East Bridgewater, passed away after a long and courageous battle against glioblastoma. Surrounded by a grateful and loving family, Jen passed away peacefully and gracefully. She is survived by her husband Deacon Christopher Z. Connelly with whom she shared 30 years of married life. She is also survived by her two sons: Zachary and his fiancée Catherine Cryer of East Bridgewater, Brendan and his significant other Kelly Wilburn of East Bridgewater, and her daughter Shannon and her significant other Jake Doucette of East Bridgewater. Jen was the daughter of James R. Dalfino, Jr. and Donna Dalfino, of Auburn (formerly of Billerica). Jen was also the sister of Jacquelyn Hayes and her husband Mark of Auburn, and James R. Dalfino, III and his wife Giselle Rojas of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Jen also leaves behind her father-in-law, James Connelly (and his late wife Marie), brothers and sister-in-law: James, Paul, John and his wife Sharon, and Brian (and his late wife Mei) Connelly as well as her nieces: Carly Hayes and Elizabeth Connelly and nephews: Thomas Hayes, Aidan Connelly and Noah Connelly. Jen was also loved and cherished by many close friends and relatives.
Jen was born in Marlborough and raised in Billerica. Jen graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 1990 and attended Stonehill College where she graduated in 1994 with a degree in elementary education. It was at Stonehill College that Jen met, got engaged to, and married her husband, Christopher. After working at KinderCare Learning Centers in Mansfield for two years, Jennifer returned to Stonehill in 1998 in a part-time, overnight job at the MacPháidín Library which turned into a full-time position. Jen loved working at the library and cherished the many friendships she formed there. In 2018, Jen received the Guadete Award for twenty years of dedicated service; in December of 2024, she received the Richard "Dick" Grant Staff Award in special recognition of her service and commitment to excellence.
Jen married her husband Chris on August 19, 1995 at Stonehill's Chapel of Mary and a year later gave birth to their first of three children. Their married life took them to East Providence, Foxborough, West Bridgewater, and Fall River before moving to East Bridgewater in 2003. Jennifer was a loving and devoted wife, mother, aunt, daughter and friend. She sacrificed many things for the care and well-being of her family. Instead of pursuing a career as a school teacher, Jen chose to stay at Stonehill to take advantage of a benefit that waived tuition for children of college employees. Shannon will soon join her parents and two older brothers as Stonehill Alumni in the spring of 2026.
Jen's favorite activities were focused on the interests of her family. In 2006, Jen attended diaconate formation classes with her husband leading up to his ordination as a permanent deacon in 2011. She taught Religious Education at St. John's when her children were in grade school. She supported her sons as the secretary and treasurer of the East Bridgewater Music Parents Association. She was a "Dance Mom" for Shannon for 15 years at Paula Coffey Dance Studio and was Shannon's personal Uber driver for her dance competitions and softball tournaments. Jen never missed a concert, drama production, recital, dance competition, or game. When she wasn't engaged in these activities, Jen enjoyed word games, bird watching, and watching Jeopardy (with a bowl of mint chocolate ice cream and a handful of doritos) with her family.
Jen's family is forever grateful for the life she gave us and shared with us. She will always be remembered lovingly by her family and friends.
A vigil service and calling hours will be held at St. Ann's Church, 103 North Main Street, West Bridgewater, MA on September 5th from 3:00PM-7:00PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated for the repose of Jen's soul at St. Ann Church on September 6th at 10:30AM. Interment will follow at Central Cemetery, 170 Central Street, East Bridgewater.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Catholic Community Fund, Attn: Deacon Community Fund, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184 (Tax ID#04-3071454).