Sister Mary Michael Connolly was born Loretta Ann Connolly in Woburn, Massachusetts, to parents were John and Mary (Kelley) Connolly. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1950, taking the name Sister Mary Michael.
Sister Mary Michael was a graduate of St. Charles High School in Woburn, Massachusetts, and later received a Geriatric Aide Certificate from Worcester State University. She took her first vows in 1953 and perpetual vows in 1958. During the 1960s, a challenging time for the church and religious life following Vatican II, she lived and ministered at the Juniorate in Wenham, giving support to Sisters in the early stages of their lives as religious. For seventy-five years, she generously worked in various community service ministries. Her ministries brought her to our Notre Dame schools and convents in East Boston, Lynn, Wenham, Cambridge and Ipswich.
For twenty years, Sister Mary Michael ministered in Worcester at Notre Dame du Lac as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
She was a much-loved Sister with a genuine interest in others, making her a beloved friend and confidante. Her compassion for others shone brightly, consistently making those around her feel special and valued. Whether through her thoughtful gestures or her ability to listen, Sister Mary Michael enriched the lives of everyone she encountered.
Sister Mary Michael Connolly went home to her good God on March 10, 2025.