Isabelle “Bee” Mary Connelly

Connelly, Isabelle “Bee” Mary, 90, died June 5, 2010 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita. Rosary will be 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 8th with Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 9th both at Church of the Magdalen. Burial Service at Calvary Cemetery follows the Mass. She was born on her fathers birthday, January 26, 1920, in the Bronx, New York? She married James B Connelly in New York City on March 10, 1943. His career took them to Midland TX, Baltimore MD, Little Neck NY and Huntington NY. Their last move was to Wichita KS in 1967. She received a Business Administration degree from Wichita State University in 1977 and enrolled in many continuing education classes at WSU in art and history. She was active in community service through St Jude Guild and Church of the Magdalens Alter Society, as well as Project Beauty, a docent at the Wichita Art Museum and a docent for the Allen-Lambe House. She became a world traveler, often in the company of her brother Joe, sister-in-law Dorothy and traveling buddy Betty Dawson. Her journeys took her to China, Japan, South America, Europe and the Holy Lands. Her last adventure was a 90th birthday cruise to Mexico this January. To the end, she remained well read, well traveled, outspoken and opinionated on current events and history. She was employed as an Accountant at Mid-America All-Indian Center and at Graggs Furs. She was a loving daughter, big sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She doted on her children, grand children, great grand children, nephews and nieces. Christmas and Thanksgiving were grand celebrations, the more the merrier just set another place and peel another potato. All were welcomed to her home as a hotel, a restaurant and refuge. Without a doubt, the kitchen was her domain. She is survived by her daughter Patricia, sons Joseph and wife Joan, Michael and wife Ann, Stephen and wife Janice, and Kevin; grandchildren Laura and Josh Leonard, Jean and David Millwee, James and Patricia Connelly, Brian and Melanie Connelly, Jennifer and Enmanuel Cabrera, Tim and Liesl Connelly, Katherine and Jared Brashears, Megan and Al Pea, Elizabeth Connelly, Patricia Connelly, Teresa Connelly, Anthony and Becky Hunter, Jeff and Christy Hunter, Paul and Cindy Hunter, Mary Hunter, Diane and Keegan Niedens, Carol Hunter, Erin Connelly, Heather Connelly, and Kelly Connelly; also great grandchildren Katherine Leonard, Andrew Millwee, Madelyn Connelly, Lauren Connelly, Antonio and Thomas Cabrera, Benjamin Connelly, Isabelle Brashears, James and Karalina Hunter, Kyla, Jordan and Kaden Hunter, Logan and Katherine Hunter, Ethan and Brody Niedens; her sister Carroll Ann and husband William Hynes, her sister Mary and husband Bernard Briody, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Isabelle McCarthy, her husband of 36 years James, her son James Jr., sister Patricia McCarthy, and brothers Joseph McCarthy and James McCarthy. She was much loved. She will be quoted for years to come, she will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. Funeral has been arranged with Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Memorial contributions may be sent in her name to Project Beauty, 3127 Aloma St., Wichita, KS 67211-3809. Rosary will be 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 8th with Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 9th both at Church of the Magdalen. Burial Service at Calvary Cemetery follows the Mass.