Connelly, Mary Patricia "Pat"

Other Events:

• Military Service: Aft 1943; US Navy WAVES
• Obituary: 12 Dec 2010; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Mary Patricia "Pat" Connelly passed away September 8, 2010, in Portland, Ore. Pat was born April 18, 1922, to Mary Ellen Brill and Robert M. Connelly in Appleton, Wis. Her Brill grandparents owned the Hotel Northern in downtown Appleton where she spent much of her childhood. She graduated from Appleton High in 1940 as a member of the National Honor Society. Pat worked for Kimberly-Clark before joining the US Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) in 1943, serving as an aircraft gunnery instructor while stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station. After World War II, she returned to Appleton and attended Lawrence University where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She then moved to Chicago and worked for Radio WGN and the American Dental Association. In 1952, her sense of adventure took her to San Francisco, and while working at the advertising firm of BBDO she met her future husband, Philip F. Wax. In 1955, they moved to Portland, Ore. where they joined her husband's family and raised three children.
Pat worked at Portland Community College where she also completed her associate degree. She began skiing at 51 and continued for 20 years. She traveled extensively in her retirement years, including trips to visit friends and family in Appleton. She enjoyed entertaining and gardening, but most of all learning. Her curiosity and intellect never slowed. She was independent, active, always game, and loved to dance. She never said "no" to an invitation, and issued them often. She had a zest for life and an incredible spirit. Pat was proud of her naval service, her work history, her home, her Irish heritage, and her family. The St. Francis Parish community was an important part of her life.
Pat is survived by her son, Phil Wax (Viola); daughters, Ellen Wax (Dave Huffman) and Carmel Wax; five granddaughters, Katherine, Emily, Madeleine, and Elizabeth Wax, and Grace Huffman; brother, Robert M. Connelly Jr. of Atherton, Calif.; sister, Ellen Rice of Portland, Ore.; and many nieces and nephews. She is survived locally by Rachel Connelly of Appleton, and Noreen Vanden Heuvel and Margaret Hammen of Little Chute.
A Funeral Mass with military honors was held on September 24, 2010 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Remembrances may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church , 1131 SE Oak Street, Portland, OR 97214.

Mary married Wax, Philip F. (son of Wax, UnknownM and Unknown, UnknownF) [Group Sheet]