Jacqueline Connolly

Jacqueline Connolly

March 31, 1934 – December 16, 2025

Chicago

Jacqueline Connolly, Ed.D., at Peace with Christ at the age of 91. Loving mother of John C. (Clare) Connolly III and Michael A. Connolly (Aggie D’Alessio). Cherished grandmother of Dominic, Grace and Madeline Connolly. Beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Marie Ingrisano. Preceded in death by her loving and devoted siblings Joseph (the late Carmella) Ingrisano, Samuel (the late Irene) Ingrisano, and Pauline (the late Joseph Rossi). Beloved aunt to nine nieces and nephews, dear great-aunt and great-great aunt to their progeny.

Jacqueline (“Jackie”) was born to humble beginnings on the Northwest Side of Chicago to Sicilian immigrants. The youngest daughter of a middle-aged couple, she excelled at academics from an early age, eventually graduating with honors from Steinmetz High School in 1952.

She enrolled in the Education Department at DePaul University, where she met John C. Connolly Jr. They both received their Bachelor’s Degrees and were married at St. John Bosco Church, her family’s parish, where they raised their two sons John and Michael. While teaching at the nearby Lovett School, she attended Northeastern Illinois University’s master’s degree program in the evening. She wrote her thesis and obtained her Master of Education degree in 1973. About ten years later, she entered the doctoral program at Northern Illinois University. She wrote and successfully defended her dissertation and obtained her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.). She considered earning the title of Doctor to be one of the crowning achievements in her life.

Due to health issues during the 70s and 80s, she was forced to resign from teaching for several years. When she returned to the Chicago Public School system, she had to start at the bottom as an on-call substitute teacher. With the focus and drive that she was known for, she progressed upward and eventually earned a permanent position in a classroom of her own. As a result, she regained full tenure status for all of her years of service, as well as the full Chicago Teachers Union pension. Her final career achievement was being elected principal of Cameron School, one of the largest elementary schools in Chicago. Ironically, Cameron was also where she received her first CPS position as a new teacher in the 1960s. Under her leadership, she allocated the school’s budget wisely, purchasing the first computers the school ever had. She also bought musical instruments and hired personnel to develop the first instrumental and vocal music program at Cameron. She retired in the 1990’s and, thanks to her foresight and determination, achieved independent financial security that would sustain her for the decades to come.

Faith has been an integral part of Jackie’s life from her earliest memories, through adulthood and motherhood, until her final days on this earth. She prayed several times daily, was an avid watcher of EWTN, attended mass regularly and received the sacraments. While retired, she also performed administrative duties at the Passionist Monastery near her home in Oriole Park. When her health prevented her from traveling to a church, she attended daily televised Mass and received Communion through volunteer laity from St. Eugene’s Parish.

Jackie was a fantastic cook, whether rustic Sicilian dishes like pasta con aglio e olio (garlic and oil), or international fare she learned from Julia Child, Antoinette Pope and Jacques Pepin. Her cookbook library was substantial, and she kept boxes of index cards with her own favorites. Her baking skills were exceptional as well, and she always had homemade bread in the kitchen. Jackie strove to expand her culinary expertise even in her final weeks. She served as a role model for her sons who continue her passion for delicious food to share with friends and family. From humble beginnings, she leaves behind a legacy of achievement, intelligence, integrity and success that continues to inspire awe and admiration.

The family would like to acknowledge the services of ComeForCare Home Care and their team of professional health aids that provided integral care and support, as well as JourneyCare Hospice in Glenview for the impeccable services they provided to Jackie in her final days.

She rests forever in the hearts of all whom she loved, and all who knew and loved her.

Visitation Sunday, December 21st from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS) 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. Funeral Services Begin: Monday 9:30 A.M. at the Funeral Home and will proceed to St. Eugene Church. Funeral Mass 10:30 A.M. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery.