Marilyn "Marnie" Connelly

Marnie died peacefully at home surrounded by Hugh, her husband of 48 years, her two daughters Fiona (Matt Wolf) and Gillian (Eric Leclair) and her sister, Joan (Bob Lehman). She will be sorely missed by her grandchildren, Eleanor and Gareth (Fiona and Matt), Thomas, Corin and Simon (Gillian and Eric), her goddaughters, Catrin and Elitza, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and all her dear friends.

Marnie was a passionate and caring nurse, whose nursing career spanned almost 40 years. She was a staff nurse at the Wellesley Hospital, a public health nurse for Toronto Public Health, a professor in the Queen’s University School of Nursing and most recently a professor in the Nursing Program at Algonquin College and at the University of Ottawa.

It is no surprise that Marnie chose nursing as a career; a profession that aims to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and the community – something she did every day of her life as a mother, a loving wife, sister, godmother, cousin and friend. Marnie’s greatest pride was her family, whom she showered with love, devotion, and generosity. If she sensed that a loved one (or anyone for that matter) needed support, Marnie was always there to answer the call to help in whatever way she could; it was how she lived her life. She always made sure everyone had what they needed and more. She was a kind soul, who cared deeply about those around her.

Marnie continued her love of learning during her retirement by completing continuing education classes with her dear friends, enjoying Royal Conservatory of Music lessons and reading lots of books. She loved to knit – making hats, blankets, sweaters, and mitts for all the grandchildren, great nieces and nephews. Marnie always loved telling stories, laughing and sharing a glass of wine with friends. Many people enriched and blessed her life - cherished colleagues, school friends and learning buddies.

She was able to die peacefully at home due to the incredible support and care from her two daughters, Fiona and Gillian, her husband Hugh, and her sister, Joan. A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 pm on March 18 2023, at All Saints Anglican Church, 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa. Marnie always believed in helping others, both near and far.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choosing, and help a stranger with a story that makes them smile, in her name.  May we all make the world a brighter place, just like she did.