BRIMFIELD – Rita A. Connelly, 78, of Brimfield passed away at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at home with her family.

She was born July 26, 1933 in Framingham, MA to John S. and Alice Marion (Flynn) MacDonald. She married Ted C. Connelly on February 14, 1954 in Framingham, MA.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, her five children, Michael (Janet) Connelly of Normal, IL, Karen (Michael) Williams of Peoria, Patti (Todd) Huson of Peoria, Carolyn (Bob) Jones of Peoria and Ted (Veronica) Connelly of Sault Ste Marie, MI; her ten grandchildren, Paul Connelly of Normal, Sean Williams of Peoria Heights, Melissa Williams of Cahokia, Kelly Huson of Madison, WI, Kyle Huson of Peoria Heights, Billy Jo (Jennifer) Perrine of Spring Bay, Derrick Perrine of Peoria, Barbie Perrine of Peoria, Ted (Kate) Connelly of Sturgeon Bay, WI, And Kathryn Connelly of Sault Ste Marie, MI; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was a very nurturing, giving person, a good listener, and never judgmental.

She loved getting a bargain. She was a collector of angels and loved the water. Her fondest memories were times spent at Cape Cod with her girlfriends when she was young; and in her later years, her trips to Florida in Februarys. The best times, however, were with family gatherings especially the backyard pool and holidays surrounded by her beloved grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, April 21, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Kickapoo. Rev. Joseph Dondaville will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Brimfield.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 N. Knoxville, Peoria, IL 61614.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.