Elizabeth “Betty” Mae Connolly, age 91, of Mansfield, Ohio peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 25, 1934, in Akron, Ohio, Betty was the cherished daughter of the late Clarence and Esther Kuhn. She grew up in Akron, where she began building her life. In 1964, Betty moved to Mansfield with her husband and five children, quickly planting deep roots and building a welcoming home in the local community.
In addition to the immense dedication and energy it took to raise her beautiful, bustling family, Betty was a fixture in the local workforce, enjoying a highly successful 37-year career selling real estate. Beyond her career, Betty was deeply invested in her community and was involved in countless organizations. She was a dedicated member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where she was active in the Catholic New Comers, St Peters Church Choir, Catholic Women’s Club. She also served the community in the Board of Realtors, the Republican Women’s Club, the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer at the hospital. She also spent decades giving back through many local volunteer organizations, such as the Miss Ohio program. She was a passionate fan who loved cheering on her team with the Browns Backers.
Known throughout the area for her fun-loving spirit and incredibly generous heart, Betty brought unmatched joy, warmth, and comfort to everyone she met. She truly never met a stranger and leaves behind a legacy of vibrant love and community service. She enjoyed playing golf and bowling.
Betty’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her devoted children: Kim Yarman, Michael Connolly (Leona), Chris Connolly (Angie), Kathy O’Donnell (James) and Karen Erwin (Todd). She was the adored grandmother of Eric (Amy), Shannon (Eli), Keith, Shane (Natasha), Michael (Hillary), Sarah (Josh), Ryan (Nicole), Bethaney (Travis), Goeffrey, Jacob and Joey; and the proud great-grandmother of Alexis, Zayne, Gracelynn, Seneca, Stella, Aubrey, Isla, Miles, Spencer, Beckett, and Cooper.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Esther, her beloved husband, William “Bill” Connolly; brothers, Francis and Bill; sisters, Rita and Rosemary; and her dear son-in-law, Kevin Yarman.
To accommodate both her local Mansfield friends and colleagues, as well as family members traveling from out of town, a public viewing will be held on Friday May 29, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario, OH 44906. A prayer vigil will be held at 7:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Betty’s beautiful 91 years of life will take place the following morning, Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 60 S Mulberry St, Mansfield, OH 44903. Burial will follow at Manfield Memorial Park.
The Connolly family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the staff and care providers at Primrose for the outstanding and heartfelt care you gave to our mother. We are also thankful to the Southern Care Hospice team for your compassionate support and comfort during this time.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011. Washington, DC 20090-6011 or the Monsignor Edward C. Dunn Foundation, 104 W. 1st St. Mansfield, OH 44902
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Wappner Funeral Directors – Ontario
Website: www.wappner.com