Imelda ''Mel'' Connolly, 78, passed away on Thursday, March 21,2002 in Kennewick, Washington. She was born on February 17, 1924 in Massachusetts to Edward and Catherine McEleney. She grew up with four sisters and two brothers. Her fondest childhood memories are of playing upstairs with her brothers and sisters. She also enjoyed going to the library and getting new books each week. Mel was a life long reader. Mel attended college where she majored in English. After college, she joined the Navy where she was stationed in San Francisco. After leaving the Navy, she worked for a major airline which afforded her the opportunity to travel around the United States. On July 12, 1951, Mel married James Francis Connolly and continued traveling with him on Army assignments, which lead them to Germany, Italy, and many U. S. sites.

Mel and James had four children and eventually settled in San Jose, California in 1970 where she took pride and joy in her family and her role as wife and homemaker. Mel's family was very important to her and she would do anything for them. She also gave herself to help those less fortunate by devoting time to many charities. All those who knew Mel will miss her smile and helping hand. Mel is survived by her daughter Ann Connolly and son-in-law Rick Mogg of Sonora, CA; son and daughter-in-law Dan and Rhonda Connolly of West Richland, W A; daughter and son-in-law Jane and Bob Bailey of San Jose, CA; step-sons Jim Connolly of Worcester, MA and Jack Connolly of Brookline, NH; step-daughter Carolyn Barnes of Waburn, MA; sisters, Anne Mueller of Assleboro, MA and Detta Johannessen of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren Danny, Lisa, Keri, Sean, and Nicole Connolly; Kate and Kelly Mogg; and Joseph, James, and Brian Bailey; step-grandchildren Jeff, Jodi, and Jami Durfee; and 8 great grandchildren Sierra, Rachel, Isaiah, Brandon, Shayla, MaKayla, D' Andre, and Jaemen Connolly. Mel was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Catherine McEleney; her husband, James Connolly; her son, Ed Connolly; her sisters Kay Gordon and Mary Solbalsky; and her brothers Ed and Phil McEleney. Friends may call at Einan’s Funeral Home on Friday, March 22, 2002 between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Willow Glen Funeral Chapel in San Jose, California. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the entire staff at Callaway Gardens for all their kindness and loving care during Mel' s stay with them.