Connolly (Bowie), Mary Elizabeth Anne

Guysborough Intervale, NS

November 27, 1952 - May 06, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Anne (Bowie) Connolly, age 72, of Guysborough Intervale, passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on November 27, 1952, Mary was the fourth of twelve children of the late John D. and Veronica (MacDonald) Bowie of West River, Antigonish County. She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church, where she served faithfully as a lector and was a member of the St. Patrick’s Ladies Aid. Mary was deeply committed to prayer and her Catholic faith. She was a devoted participant and member of the Western Cape Breton Cursillo Movement since 2002, where she made lifelong friendships, and made many pilgrimages to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre with her mother and sister.

Mary retired after over 30 years with Service Canada, working in both Guysborough and Antigonish. A vibrant member of her community, she was involved in numerous organizations including the Chedabucto Curling Club, the Guysborough Hospital Auxiliary, and Chedabucto Bay Quilters Group. She was a yoga enthusiast and a dedicated walker, often seen enjoying the outdoors in every season. She was an avid 4-H participant in her youth, and a longtime Mary Kay consultant.

Mary was known for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and zest for life. She had a special appreciation for live music – especially when it was performed by her own children, of whom she was immensely proud – and she and Philip never missed a Stan Rogers Folk Festival. She found joy in simple pleasures like knitting, sewing, playing cards, traveling, camping, and swimming at the cabin. She appreciated a good glass of red wine and was often the life of the party. As a grandmother, she was playful and hands-on, making every moment together fun and memorable.

Above all, her greatest joy was her family. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Philip, and her cherished children: Corinne, Calgary, AB; Brendan (Kim), Langdon, AB; Roger (April), Windsor Junction, NS; and Rosalie (Rob Stinson), Lantz, NS. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Brady, Taylor, Claire, Josie, Douglas, and Eric.

She will be deeply missed by her siblings: Allan, Sussex, NB; Doug, Lower West River, NS; Jim (Gail), Grande Prairie, AB; Gordon (Terri), New Annan, NS; Elaine (Kenny Mason), Lower West River, NS; John (Darlene), Fenwick, NS; Mike (Ruth), Bedford, NS; Albert (Dawn), Maugerville, NB; and Philip, Strathroy, ON.

Also mourning her loss are her in-laws: Theresa, Rose, Maxine, Martin Connolly, Dorothy Delorey, Joanne (John Davis), Laura (Charlie Gabriel), Alice (Art Embree), and many nieces and nephews. Mary will also be greatly missed by her many dear friends whose lives she touched with kindness, humour, and grace.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her brothers, Bill and Anthony Bowie; sister-in-law, Jean Bowie; and parents-in-law, Kenneth and Margaret Connolly; brothers-in-law, Jerome and Peter Connolly; and Joe Delorey.

Visitation will be held at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, Guysborough Intervale, on Monday, May 12 from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place at St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday, May 13 at 11 a.m., with Father Danny MacLennan and Father Anthony O’Connor officiating.

Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Guysborough Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Program or St. Patrick’s Parish. Family flowers only please.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lawlor, Dr. Lucas, and Dr. Chi; nurses, Rebecca and Allison; and the entire palliative care team for their compassionate care, as well as the Cancer Care Unit at St. Martha’s Hospital. A special thanks to her cherished daughter-in-law, April, who never left Mary’s side. The family is also deeply grateful to the community for their outpouring of love, prayers, and support throughout Mary’s illness.

Mary’s faith, kindness, and joyful spirit touched many lives and will leave a lasting legacy.