Claire Georgette Connolly

Claire Georgette (Robida) Connolly, 97, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation Center with her beloved family at her side.

Born in Meriden, Connecticut on February 7, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Alice Desmarais Robida and Rudolph Robida. After the family relocated to New Hampshire, Claire was educated in the local school system including a year she and her sister, Jacqueline, spent studying at a convent in Quebec, Canada, where she learned to sew and later became an at home seamstress. Claire married the love of her life, John Connolly, and shared 56 years of marriage until his passing in 2002. For over 23 years, Claire worked at Sanders and was employed by Crawford Insurance until her retirement.

A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, her family members were the center of her world. She loved spending time with them as they brought many years of happiness to her life. Claire was an outdoorswoman and adventurer. Later in life, she learned to ski and thoroughly enjoyed it for 25 years. She was an avid hiker, climbing all 48 4000 footers in New Hampshire almost twice! At age 63, she proudly hiked the Grand Canyon for a couple overnights. And, at age 64, Claire astonishingly hiked Tour Mont Blanc and the Alps in Switzerland. She and John enjoyed travelling to Europe and visiting US National Parks with their friends. Claire also loved bowling, reading, movies, and her VCR. Claire will be best remembered for her generous heart and love of family and friends.

Claire is survived by her three children; son, Michael Connolly and his wife Pat of Michigan; daughter, Barbara Connolly of California; daughter, and Karen Mossman of Loudon, NH; brother, Jerry Robida; two beautiful granddaughters, Krysten Mossman and Keri Fazzino and husband Matt; great granddaughter, Arianna Janosz (who held a special place in Claire’s heart), and boyfriend Zack Duclos; including many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Claire was predeceased by her sister, Jacqueline Bilodeau and brother, Richard Robida.

ARRANGEMENTS: Claire’s Visitation will be held in the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium on Friday, April 4 from 4:00 to 6:00P.M. Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel at Mt. Carmel Rehab and Nursing Center, 235 Myrtle Street, Manchester on Saturday, April 5 at 10:30AM followed by Cemetery Committal at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire’s memory to Mt. Carmel Chapel, 235 Myrtle Street, Manchester, NH 03104. To view Claire's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.