Chris Connolly Donatini

1947 - 2024

Chris Connolly Donatini

10/14/1947 - 04/19/2024

Christine "Chris" Connolly was born Oct. 14, 1947 to John and Virginia (Oess) Connolly in Toledo, Ohio. She was the second of the family's four children. A superb athlete, a leader in all her endeavors, an excellent student, and keeper of the peace in the neighborhood. Chris attracted a close circle of friends everywhere she went and developed a strong sense of independence at an early age. Chris was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy and received her B.A. in Education from the University of Toledo on a full scholarship. Later on, she earned Master's degrees in Education and Counseling.

Chris treasured the natural beauty of the world. When not teaching, she was traveling. Whether it was camping the National Parks, attending music festivals, or navigating Europe, she was on the move! Chris met Dennis Donatini through a mutual teacher friend and eventually married at Blessed Sacrament, the school and church she attended growing up, in 1980.

She ended her 35-year career as an Elementary Teacher and School Counselor for Sylvania Public Schools and was ready for her happy place, the beach. Florida and the Caribbean were places she and Dennis visited as often as they could. Locally, Chris loved to worship the sun at the nearby JCC/YMCA and Olander Park. She loved music and was always ready to lead and participate in any escapade. Chris had an incredibly positive attitude and welcoming openness toward everyone she met.

She passed peacefully under the wonderful care at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on the morning of April 19, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family. Even during her final days, Chris found herself in the sunshine.

Chris leaves behind her loving husband, Dennis, of 44 years; and their children, Katie, of Toledo and David (Emily); and grandchildren: Lucy, Norah, and Jack Donatini of Apex, NC. She is survived by her sisters, Carol (Tom) Pletz and Mary (Rich, deceased) Rohloff, and was preceded in death by her Irish twin, Tom (Mary Pat) Connolly. Several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

A Requiem Mass will be held at Gesu Catholic Church in Toledo at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9th. Following the mass, A Celebration of Life will take place at the Nederhouser Hall at Olander Park in Sylvania.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to one of the following: Toledo Metro Parks, Outdoor Sylvania, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Please also consider donating blood to the American Red Cross in Chris' honor.