Jean Ann Connolly

Jean Ann Connolly Obituary (Hanlon), known to many as a guiding presence in both her family and her community, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, in Prescott, AZ. Jean Ann was born on June 11, 1937, at home on a farm in Winneshiek County, Iowa, to Byron and Marjorie (Gossman) Hanlon. She was the eldest of the six girls and leaves behind her sisters, Janice, Arlene, Diane, Cathy (Gary), and Mary Jean (Dean). Her sisters were with her bonded love, friendship, and support, to the end. After high school, Jean Ann joined the Our Lady of Lourdes, Franciscan Sisterhood at Assisi Heights, in Rochester, Minnesota, as sister Mary Keville. She spent time as an elementary education and spiritual teacher, dedicated to the well-being of her children. A few years later, while completing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Holy Family, Jean Ann met her future husband. After a few years of long-distance correspondence, they fell in love and she left the sisterhood to marry John Joseph (Jack) Connolly. She moved to Orange County California to be with Jack, where she taught elementary education at Sacred Heart at Holy Family Catholic School. Jean Ann ultimately retired from teaching in Prescott, Arizona, after spending several years teaching elementary education ar Sacred Heart Catholic School. As a devout member of the Sacred Heart Church, in retirement she served with grace as a sacristan, a CIC sponsor, and a member of the Alter Society. Her contributions were respected and appreciated. Jean Ann was preceded in death by her dear husband, Jack. They were a testament to true and enduring love. She leaves behind her son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Mia Connolly, granddaughters, Sierra and McKenna and great granddaughter McKinsley. Her smiling, confidence, charming and graceful ways will continue to inspire her family and friends. In lieu of flowers please donate in memory of Jean Ann to St. Vincent De Paul, or your preferred charity. A rosary will be held at 10:15 am with Funeral Mass directly following at 11:00 am Friday, May 9th, 2025, at Sacred Heart Church, 150 E. Fleury St. Prescott, AZ. Inurnment will take place at Prescott National Cemetery later the same day at 2:00 pm. Arrangements entrusted to Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home.