Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Berrens Connolly died Monday, October 2, 2023, at her home in St. Florian, AL.
Betty was born March 21, 1929 at the Kasmeier family homeplace in St. Florian to Paul Jacob Berrens and Sophia Helen Kasmeier Berrens. She was a lifelong resident of St. Florian and lifetime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Betty attended St. Michael’s Catholic School and was a 1947 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy boarding school in Cullman, AL. She briefly attended Sacred Heart College and Florence State College (UNA) before staying home to care for her family.
On November 22, 1951, she married William James “Jimmy” Connolly, Jr., of Cullman, AL. He called her Dot and together, Jimmy and Dot raised eight boys and one girl at the home they built on family land in St. Florian. Her children were her joy in life. She was so very proud of them all. Betty was also Aunt Sis to her nieces and nephews and the best Grandma to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She delighted in keeping up with friends made over the years, from local friends to Sacred Heart classmates to special friends in Scotland.
Betty was known for excelling in the arts of the home and famous for her homemade bread, which was a treat for all who ever had a slice or loaf. She made bread weekly all the way through mid-September. She also kept a never-ending supply of homemade chocolate chip cookies and made so many delicious desserts. She created many beautiful and practical items through crocheting and knitting and enjoyed painting Jimmy’s woodworking creations. Betty found the beauty in nature. She enjoyed traveling, particularly to the Gulf beaches. She and Jimmy lived briefly in New Jersey and then Augusta, GA during his years in the military. They enjoyed an extended trip to Scotland to visit friends who were like family.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Paul Jr. and David, sister Mary Grace Locker, husband Jimmy, infant sons Gregory and Michael, daughter Mary Katherine, and granddaughter Alexandra. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Dr. William and Neena Connolly, Paul and Sondra Connolly, John and Vicky Connolly, Tim and Kelley Connolly, Kevin Connolly and Roxanne Brown, Chris and Laura Connolly, Dr. Matthew and Melanie Connolly, and Michael and Amy Connolly. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Betty lived ninety-four and a half remarkable years. We are grateful for all the time we had with her. Though we were not ready to see her go, we take comfort in all the wonderful memories, knowing her deep faith has her resting in God’s eternal peace.
Thank you to Dr. Santiago and Dr. Wright, Joan Meyer, Theresa Kelley, and Tracie Goode for your care.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, with the Rosary at 8:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 6, 2023. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
