Theresa “Arlene” Connelly, 1938–2026, loving wife, mother, and grandmother

Theresa “Arlene” (Hayes) Connelly, of Waltham, died Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She was 87.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 47 years, Donald A. Connelly, who passed away in 2008, as well as by her brothers Henry Hayes and Raymond Hayes, and her sister June Cannistraro.

Arlene leaves her children, Janice Connelly of Waltham, Barbara Arsenault (Chris) of Billerica, Diane Kenton (Peter) of Woburn, John Connelly of Waltham, Joseph Connelly (Janet) of Rockland, Jane Morway (Richard) of Windham, NH, Ann Douggan (Thomas) of Andover and Stephen Connelly (Julie) of Auburn; her grandchildren, David Arsenault (Chrissy), Barbara French (Jesse), Ann Schaefer (Chris), James Arsenault, Michael Arsenault (Saoirse Gillespie), Liam Connelly, Rorey Connelly, Paige Connelly, Jessie Connelly, Ella Connelly, Lilliana Connelly and Samuel Connelly; her brother David Hayes of New Hampshire; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends will honor and remember Arlene’s life by gathering for an evening wake at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.