Beverly - Eileen M. Connolly, 88, of Beverly, passed away August 1, 2026 at home in the presence of her loving family after a courageous, 7 year battle with Alzheimer's. She was the wife of the late William A. Connolly with whom she spent 21 years of marriage. He was the love of her life.

Born in Peabody and raised in Gardner Park, Eileen was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ann (Dunn) Smith (proud immigrants from Ireland). She graduated from St. Chretienne Academy in 1956 and Salem State College in 1959. She earned her Master's Degree in Reading from Salem State College in 1977 while teaching full time and raising her family.

Eileen was a teacher for almost 25 years, teaching in Beverly and Saugus. She began her career teaching 1st grade and went on to have a resource room where she helped children with learning disabilities. She spent the last few years before retirement teaching 4th grade at The Cove School in Beverly. Countless students thrived because of her ability to identify their individual pathways to success. She was an advocate for public education and was known for her strict and loving teaching style.

For a brief stint, during the 1980's, Eileen owned a Clothing Consignment Shop called The Clothes Been, located in North Beverly. Eileen managed this shop while teaching full time. She found staff to help during the week and worked in the store on the weekends. A daughter of parents who grew up in the Depression, Eileen was frugal, valued reuse and was the master at finding treasures at bargain prices.

Eileen was stylish, an avid reader, practiced yoga, golfed regularly and loved to travel. She visited many countries including France, Italy, Greece, The Czech Republic, Ireland and even took a cruise through the Panama Canal. Of all the places she traveled to, Hilton Head Island remained her happy place.

Eileen was extremely active on the Salem State College Alumni Board and Scholarship Committees. She received the George H. Ellison '54 Volunteer of the Year award in 2013. Eileen also served on the board of the Girdler House and Myles Mcpherson Youth Center, both located in Beverly.

Becoming a grandmother was a source of great pride. Julia and William called her Eisey. She always lit up when she was in their presence and made every effort to attend their performances, sporting events and celebrated every milestone and accomplishment. Eileen also loved spending time with her family and friends and was a kind and generous friend to many.

Eileen is survived by her children, Jeff Connolly of Middleton, MA, Alana Mitchell and her husband Eric, her cherished grandchildren, Julia and William of Hamilton, MA; her niece Deborah (Wells) Robb and her husband Eric of York Beach, ME; her nephew Thomas Wells of North Carolina. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Ann Marie (Wells).

We will be forever grateful to Eileen's in-home care team of angels, and Care Dimensions for their loving care and support throughout her journey.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 253 Cabot St., Beverly, MA on Friday, August 7 at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will take place prior to the service from 9:30AM to 11AM at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Eileen's memory to The Alzheimer's Association at alz.org. Information, directions, and condolences can be found at www.campbellfuneral.com.