Loved sports, great cook and enjoyed family trips
MELROSE — Carolyn Marie Connelly, a lifelong resident of Melrose, died peacefully on May 27 at the age of 54. She was born in Melrose on December 15, 1970 to the late Louis and Maureen (Devine) Connelly; she was raised in Melrose with her four sisters and graduated from Melrose High School in 1988. After high school Carolyn went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University.
Carolyn had a successful career in fundraising, working at several colleges and Schepens Eye Research Institute. She later moved to a career in logistics, working at several logistic companies, most recently TH Weiss in Boston for a number of years. She loved sports, particularly rooting for her two favorite teams the Red Sox and Celtics. Carolyn also enjoyed weekend drives to the beach, visiting Cape Cod, trips with many good friends and family trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She was also a great cook and loved preparing meals for family and friends. Most importantly, she was a devoted sister, aunt and friend; spending time with the people that mattered most to her is what made her happy.
Carolyn made friends easily everywhere she went, leaving a trail of laughter and joy in the lives of those she touched. She was a beloved aunt who took great pride in her nieces and nephews and loved to spend time with them.
Carolyn is survived by her loving sisters Paula Albanese and her husband Michael of Wilmington; Leslie Chakalis and her husband Steven of Melrose; Susan Kelley and her husband Ralph of Melrose; and Jennifer Gentile and her husband Michael of Melrose. Caring aunt of Kyle and Caroline Albanese, Christiana Chakalis, Harry Kelley and Chloe, Grace and Louis Gentile. Carolyn is also survived by many devoted lifelong friends and relatives.
Visiting hours were held on Monday, June 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3 at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Research at the American Cancer Society. To leave a message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.