Mary Patricia "Mary Pat" Connolly

Heaven just got a little more spirited and a lot more Irish. Mary Patricia "Mary Pat" Ann (Gibbons) Connolly has done her final Irish goodbye. Mary Pat, 82, passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2026, leaving a tremendous void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Born on May 12, 1944, in Rocky River, Ohio, to Robert and Helen Gibbons, Mary Pat graduated from Magnificat High School before attending Akron Nursing School. Although life ultimately led her in a different professional direction, caring for others remained at the heart of everything she did. She dedicated 31 years to Ohio Bell, where her hard work earned numerous accolades, including several trips to Disney World that brought immeasurable joy to her young daughters. As fate would have it, on a Sunday morning at the Round House Bar on Put-in-Bay, she met the love of her life, Thomas M. Connolly. The two were married on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1979, in a grand Irish wedding—a perfect beginning to a beautiful life together. Service to others was woven into every chapter of Mary Pat's life. After moving to Toledo, she volunteered for many years with Junior Achievement and Project Business in Toledo City Schools. Later, after her youngest daughter spent months in the NICU at Toledo Hospital, Mary Pat found another calling. For the next 36 years, she faithfully volunteered with the Parent-to-Parent program, delivering weekly milestone and birthday cards to families experiencing the same journey she once had. Following her retirement from AT&T, she and Tom embraced their love of travel. Together they explored the world on countless cruises and spent several months each year in their beloved Maui. Mary Pat never met a stranger, and many of the people she met along the way became lifelong friends. Above all else, Mary Pat was devoted to her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas; and her brothers, Brian and Bob. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Megan Laudicina (Bobby) and Maureen Kerschbaum (Greg); her cherished grandchildren, Thomas, Amelia, and Grace, who were the greatest joys of her life; along with numerous nieces and nephews, many dear friends, wonderful neighbors at Locust Point, and her sweet cat, Pearl. Mary Pat believed flowers were meant for the living, not the dead. In keeping with her wishes, memorial contributions may be made to The Victory Center in Toledo, Ohio, in lieu of flowers. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary Pat's remarkable life at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, 2240 Castlewood Drive, Toledo, Ohio 43613, on Friday, July 31, 2026. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. Memorial Mass. Though she has quietly slipped away with one final Irish goodbye, her kindness, laughter, generosity, and unmistakable Irish spirit will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mary Patricia "Mary Pat" Connolly

May 12, 1944 - July 22, 2026