Elizabeth J. “Betty” Connolly, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on November 6th, 2025, at Bethany Home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to be held at 3:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Gross officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Placid Catholic Cemetery in Epworth.

Betty was born on August 31, 1932, the daughter of William and Marcella (Latimer) Miller. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion to her family and friends. On June 27, 1953, she married the love of her life, Marvin J. Connolly, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home where family always came first. He preceded her in death on April 29th, 2006.

A proud graduate of Peosta High School, Betty worked throughout her life at Dubuque Butter and Milk Company, the Sisters of the Presentation at St. Columbkille’s, Dubuque Childcare, Clarke College, and Dubuque Community Schools. She truly loved her work and continued well into her 80s before retiring.

Betty’s greatest joy came from being a mom and grandma. She loved nothing more than caring for and spoiling her children and grandchildren – there was always a fresh batch of baked goods, candy to share, and no one ever left her home hungry. She cherished every moment spent with loved ones, from Friday night grocery trips followed by coffee and donuts, to chats with neighbors after Sunday Mass, to her beloved Sunday night family dinners.

Betty is survived by her children: Dave (Joyce) Connolly of Grantsburg, WIS, Don Connolly, Kathy (Joe) Lent, Amy (Albert) Weidenbacher, Matthew (Spring) Connolly, all of Dubuque, Alan (Tricia) Connolly of Maquoketa, and Ann (Matt) Hubble of West Des Moines; her beloved grandchildren Troy (Rachel) Connolly, Tara (James) Bagne, Benjamin (Ashley) Lent, Jennifer (Matt) Brooks, Kristin Lent, Logan Connolly, Leslie Connolly, Nicholas Weidenbacher, Michael Weidenbacher, Kelsey (Quinn) Schroeder, and Luke Hubble. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Marvin; her son Steve; her grandsons Brett and Johnny; her parents; siblings, William (Lorraine) Miller, Joseph (Mary) Miller, Mary (Frank) Dardis; her in-laws William and Mary (Anthoine) Connolly, Marie (Martin) Huber, Merlin (Jean) Connolly, Bert (Marion) Connolly, Joe (Ruth) Connolly, Lorraine, Loyola (Clem) Wagner, Frank (Leola) Connolly, and her beloved cousin Barbara Ann (Tom) Azinger.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bethany Home, especially the memory care unit, for their compassionate care and kindness to Mom and all of us.

Betty’s warmth, generosity, and love will be deeply missed – but her spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.