Margaret "Peggy" Connolly

Peggy died peacefully, surrounded by love, on August 13, 2025. She is survived by her adoring husband, Paul Michael "Mike" Connolly, and their seven children: John McManus (Ariele Taylor), Margaret McManus (Grieg Steward), Mary McManus (Gene Gualtieri), Claire McManus (George), Tom McManus (Micheline), Anne Baird (Duke), and Michelle Shaker (Anthony).

Peggy deeply loved her 17 grandchildren: Evelyn, Declan, and Finn McManus; Isabella and Thomas Steward; Sam and Leo Gualtieri; Jack, Charlie, Meg, and Walter McManus; Luke, Adelaide, Eleanor, and Maddie Baird; and Frannie and Wes Shaker.

She was preceded lovingly in death by her first husband, Thomas McManus; parents, John and Madeline Horrigan; brother, Richard "Dick" Horrigan; and other cherished family.

Peggy is survived by beloved siblings and siblings-in-law: John F. "Jack" Horrigan (husband of the late Peggy Horrigan); Dolores Horrigan (wife of the late Richard Horrigan); Mary (wife of the late Robert O'Connell); Theresa (wife of the late Robert Montgomery); Madeline Horrigan; Sue (wife of Francis "Bud" Ozar); and Michael Horrigan. In addition, she is survived by her husband Michael's brothers, Stephen Connolly, and Richard & Helen Connolly, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

Peggy was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, the fifth of eight children. She earned both a Bachelor's degree from the College of New Rochelle and a Master of Fine Arts from The Catholic University of America. She toured the country with Broadway theater companies tutoring young actors before it was fashionable for young women to pursue professional work, setting an example for future family generations to follow.

Peggy was passionate about her Catholic faith community, the arts, directing and attending theater, teaching, and most of all, being a mother and grandmother. Her favorite times included family gatherings during the holidays and the traditions that came with them, family reunions at the Shore, and card games (which she usually won). Peggy taught her family to value education, to follow their passions, and to embrace their spirituality wherever that led. She held herself and others to a high standard but lovingly accepted everyone.

Peggy's last months were filled with support and compassion from her devoted caregivers, to whom the family will be forever grateful.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Old St. Joseph's Church in Philadelphia on Wednesday, August 27th. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peggy's name would be welcome to Food, Faith and Friends at Old St. Joseph's Church, 321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106 — https://oldstjoseph.org/give.