On the afternoon of May 4th, 2016, Marie Poole Connolly of Helena passed away in the comfort of her beloved home, after battling cancer for nearly two years. She was 58 years old.
Marie was born on August 18, 1957; the daughter of Phyllis Kalafatic Poole and Charles Poole. She was the sixth of eight fun-loving and close-knit children. She and her siblings – Micky, Charlie, Peggy, Andy, Dave, Cathy and Fran – grew up on the West Shores of Canyon Ferry Lake, waterskiing, boating, and enjoying life to its fullest.
In 1980, while working at the Helena YMCA, she met the love of her life; the handsome, and devoted Brian Connolly of Bronx, New York. In 1981, Marie and Brian married. She gained new caring and welcoming siblings – Mary Rose, John, Joanne, Kevin, Kathleen, and James – and superb in-laws in John and Mary Connolly.
Marie and Brian spent nearly 35 wonderful years supporting one another through the trials and joys of life. The couple raised three beautiful children; Kevin, Meagan, and Shannon. Marie cherished her family and was thrilled to welcome a son-in-law and his loving family when Meagan married Kevin Dow of Sheridan, Wyoming and went on to give Marie her first grandchild. For Marie, Eleanor Laura brightened even the most difficult of days.
Marie was well respected and loved as the admissions administrator at the State Bar of Montana. She also devoted much of her life to volunteer causes, donating her time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and serving on the board of directors for Eagle Mount. She impressed coworkers with her ambition, work ethic, and willingness to share her knowledge with those who wanted to learn. She retired from her position this last December, and was astonished by the amount of people who joined in the celebration of this milestone. Some of Marie’s closest friends were her colleagues who supported her through this difficult journey.
Marie found beauty in life’s simplest pleasures, and was an eternal optimist. A consummate gardener, Marie brought life and color to a previously arid piece of property, transforming it into a beautiful oasis amidst the rocky Montana landscape. More than anything, she enjoyed spending her time in the outdoors, and relished the days spent on the Dearborn River and the evenings at her grandparent’s cabin at Canyon Ferry Lake, of which she remained a partial owner. It was her favorite place in the world, and where she spent the majority of her free time.
Marie had strength and grace that could not be matched. Though her health in recent years presented new and unexpected challenges, her spirit and positive outlook remained heroically steady. She and her family are grateful for the dedication, kindness, and unparalleled care Marie received during her treatment from the St. Peter’s Hospital oncology staff, notably Dr. Weiner, and the nurses of the cancer center, as well as Dr. Stevens, and Dr. Botsford-Miller from Billings Clinic.
Services will be held at Orchard Beach on the West Shore of Canyon Ferry Lake, on Saturday May 14th, 2016 at 12pm. Reception to follow at 2743 West Shore Drive, Helena, MT. Due to limited seating and parking, we ask for guests to carpool if able. There will be no reserved seating apart from the immediate family. Please be aware that it is a possibility that not all guests will fit in the church. Memorial donations to help cover the flower costs may be sent to Westmont Flower and Trading Company, 3150 Mitchell Ave, Helena, MT 59602. Any money leftover will be donated to Westmont non-profit.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Marie.
Gino says
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there’s anything I can do.
Ben and Jill Diveley says
It was a privilege to know and work with Marie she will be dearly missed. Our hearts go out to you.
Joyce Andrus says
Sending you prayers as you remember this awesome lady with family and friends. Deepest sympathy.
Joe and Kelle McMahon says
We are so sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. We are keeping all of the Connelly and Poole families in our thoughts and prayers. Marie was a wonderful person, and will be missed by many.
Cheri Parsley says
My thoughts and prayers are with Marie’s family and friends. It was a privilege and pleasure to have met Marie.
Julie Ludtke says
Prayers and thoughts at this most difficult time.
Mary Kay Bennett says
She was a bright shining star! A smile for everyone..beautiful inside & out.
❤️??
Kate Hunt says
I can hear her voice, she had a distinct sound. Sad passing, Marie was special.
Leisa Radley says
I’m so very sorry for your loss… I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers ???
Bill Coddington says
I met Marie when she entered the 9th graduate Sun Haven high school :). She was one very special person from an extraordinary family. This is indeed a sad loss for Helena and humankind.
Jim Lambert says
Cathy and family – so sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. I know that you were all extremely close and her absence will be felt for years to come. I remember you mentioning Marie’s name many times while we worked together in JMG, Cathy; and also know that you and your sister had a special bond. Please accept my sincerest sympathy!
Mary Beall says
I worked with Marie for a year: she emanated warmth and kindness and never ceased to provide help when needed. I am saddened to hear of her passing but am glad I had the opportunity to know her, even if for a short period of time.
Marie Moran says
Marie was an amazing woman. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Robin Demaray says
You will be so missed Marie. Always a smile and kind word for everyone.
Marilyn Yetter Olson says
Prayers are with you and your family Cathy.
Linda Grady says
I went to school with Marie and while I may not have hung out with her, I did know who she was and whenever I saw her, she had one of those smiles that just made a person warm and she lit up her life with it. I still see it in the picture. I am sorry for everyone’s loss, especially when someone is gone, and should still be a part of the family. Hopefully she can say hi to Kelly Kuntz, Reed Wolstein, and all the others of Capital High who are in the heavens above.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Dear Poole families- We are saddened to hear of Marie’s passing. Our thoughts are with all of you. Leon and Marsha Belville
Maura Gruber says
Kevin & Family,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Marie. She was a good friend to my mother when we were younger and I always looked forward to our visits when I would run into her in my adult life.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers to you all!
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Connolly and Poole families,
We are so saddened to hear of Marie’s passing. We graduated high school with Marie and remember she was a little reserved and quite but always had a friendly hello. Her eyes sparkled and she lit up a room with her genuine warm smile. We pray that all the wonderful memories you hold so close within your heart will sustain in the days ahead. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you during this very difficult time and give you comfort and peace.
Bruce and Rhonda (Strainer) Robertson
Kimberley Ring says
Connolly Family,
My thought and prayers are with you all during this time ! I am honored to have met Marie and work with her a short time at the State Bar. She was a wonderful lady and was always happy to tell us of things going on with her kids.
Kim Ring
Kryss Kuntz says
To the Poole & Connolly family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Marie was something else! That smile stood out in a crowd. She never had an unkind word to say to anyone she met. She will be missed by many and will always carry a special place in your hearts. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers and I’m sending hugs all around. She was truly a special soul that will be welcomed with open arms at the arms of her God.
Love and hugs
Kryss
Shanni K Barry says
I am so saddened to read of Marie’s passing. I worked with her at the Attorney General’s office and we interacted occasionally through the State Bar. She was a kind, genuine person and I always was very fond of her. There wasn’t a time that we would see each other around town that she wouldn’t extend her welcoming smile. My heart is broken for her family. My thoughts are with all of you.
VONNIE JENKINS says
You are in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs!
Pat Davis says
I am so saddened to read of Marie’s passing. I worked with Marie many years back when she did paralegal work at the MT Department of Revenue. When she had her first child and I had the honor and privilege to babysit her little boy on occasion. Although I moved out of state almost 15 years ago, I have thought of her often and what a beautiful and sweet soul she was. I will pray for her family and friends who love her so much. Marie will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sending healing prayers to all
Pat Davis
Somerset, KY
Debra Demarais says
I was so sorry to hear about Marie passing. I worked with her in the past and always considered her a friend. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Chris & BJ Manos says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all her family and relations. Marie was giving at both work and in the Helena community. She handled her illness with the grace she always exhibited.
Sally Lockwood says
I remember a wonderful dinner getting to know Marie in Charleston, SC, in November 2013, when we were at a Council of Bar Admissions Administrators Conference. She was such a bright and generous spirit, and I’ll always remember her joyful nature.
May you, her friends and family, be comforted by the promises of the faith and the sense that she is always with you.
In deepest sympathy,
Sally Lockwood
Director of Admissions, Supreme Court of Georgia
Dee Barfknecht says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all…..I’m so very sorry for your loss. Marie had the most loving, caring and gentle soul ever…..she will be missed by all. My deepest sympathy and lots of love.
Dee
Greg & Cindi says
So sorry for your loss, God has another amazing angel in his care, to watch over you all.
Deb and Larry Redmond says
To the Poole & Connolly family, we are so sorry for your loss. Marie was a kind and wonderful woman. When our girls played basketball together I would get to spend time visiting with Marie. She was always so positive and upbeat. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Steven R Williams says
Kevin, our sincere condolences. Steve and Bridget.
Teresa Lightbody says
At first glance you couldn’t help but notice her physical beauty. Then, if you were lucky enough, you would come to know that there was so much more to this amazing woman and it just made her more beautiful. Marie was so genuine. She had a calm, gentle spirit about her that so many of us admired.
We pray that God will heal your broken hearts and give you strength for days ahead.
Sending our love, Teresa & Jay Lightbody
CESSAR LIZARRAGA says
Kevin my thoughts are with you and your family members, i will always kept that smile and that incredible happiness your Mother have shared with me on my time visiting your parents to their home and also had an incredible memory of that “man-made-lake”, un abrazo mi hermano saludos desde Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Kevin Bittenbender says
Our thoughts and prayers extend to your family through this difficult time.
Kevin, Molly & Kaitlyn Bittenbender
Barb and Ed Messer says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Amazing Lady. We will never forget her smile.
Ed and Barb Messer
Dawn Piazzi says
Kevin and family, Such sad news of Marie’s passing. Thinking of you and your family. I know you have some great memories to keep her in your hearts. (Love from Jake’s mom!)
Mattie Westphal says
I am so privileged to have known Marie and her beautiful family, she will be remembered. Her smile was infectious and she had such a heart of gold. Love, thoughts and prayers for your family.
Bert and Susan Dow says
What a beautifully written tribute to Marie. She was a great example of how we should all strive to live our lives. We will miss her. We are better for having had her in our lives. Bert and Suzie
Angie Petrosky says
I work with Marie briefly at the State. She was a kind and wonderful soul, with the most amazing smile and laugh. It was a privilege to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brenda Wahler says
My heart goes out to Marie’s family. She was a wonderful human being who has left us far too soon and will be missed.
Kim (Rice) Susag says
Marie was a special lady – she always had a smile that lit the room. She had a way of making everyone feel better about their day. We grew up together; we didn’t cross paths often after high school but when we did, it was always fun to talk to her. She was one of a kind, and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. Treasure the memories – I know there are many!
Rachel Braun says
Marie lit up the room with her genuine character. Such a beautiful woman on the inside and out. The love and devotion amongst the Connolly family warmed my heart whenever I saw them in the cancer treatment center. Brian and Shannon, as well as the rest of her loved ones- my heart goes out to you.
Kelly Schroeder Rhimer says
My thoughts and condolences to Brian and Kevin and the rest of the families. Another shining light goes out in the sky. Maria was always such a joy to see. Worded at Albertsons as a bkkpt yeaes ago. When Kevin wold tackle everyone. And I used to help Kevin at Mini Basket. I am so very very soeey for your for your loss. She was a great star.
Love to your family
Love to your family
Glenna Kendall says
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss. Marie was such a sweet, loving person and will be missed by many. She always brightened up a room with her presence. My condolences to you and your family. May the sweet memories of Marie comfort you through your life.
God Bless you Brian and Family,
Glenna Kendall
Vi zindell says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Marie and Brian have been my neighbors for 30 years. I have been blessed to have such wonderful neighbors. Marie was a very gifted and artistic woman. I will miss visiting with Marie when she was working in her beautiful yard.
Darrell L. Miller says
Brian, Keven, Shannon and Megan- What do you say about a lady as special as Marie? The first to come to mind is her beautiful smile and calming voice. As beautiful as she was on the outside it soon became apparent that her inner beauty was even bigger. Words like compassionate, optimistic, intelligent, kind and concern for others only begins to describe Marie. As a board member I was always impressed with her ability to analyze an issue and make a decision. She gained respect from everyone that knew her. She obviously loved her children and husband as well as her siblings. I was privileged to know and work with Marie and I as well as many others are better people because of her. My thoughts are with you and I pray for the day that good memories prevail for all of you.
Darrell Miller
Katie Reed says
Aunt Marie was a beautiful, kind, fun, and loving woman. We always looked forward to your visits back East where we got to make wonderful memories. I was blessed to have such a wonderful Aunt. She will always watch over and protect her amazing family. Thinking of you all and loving you always.
Katie and family
Bill and Marybeth Jones says
Brian, Keven, Shannon and Megan, no one knows what a special person Marie was, then all of you. We met your family through friends and instantly were drawn to her “glow”. She will be missed forever, but we know you will find comfort in your memories.
Jonesy and Marybeth
Tim Easton says
To the Poole and Connolly Family
So sorry for your loss. I moved to Helena in 1969 to work for Chuck and Phyllis at Coca Cola. Remember the good times with the Poole family. Some of my favorite memories. Will miss Marie but know that Chuck, Phyllis and Mick are waiting with open arms.
God Bless.
Carolyn Pelletier says
To the Connelly/Poole Family – so very sorry to read of Marie’s passing. I remember her as a kind, warm, generous woman. I am sure you have many memories to help you through this difficult time. I know Marie will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.
John says
Well, she is just one of the prettiest persons I have ever known. I had no contact with her, since I was young. She is the same, beautiful. I love her nature, and her personality. I want to be like her. Charlie wanted to beat my head at one point, but I love and admire his family and heritage. I ain’t been back to MT–not by choice.