DANVERS- Mrs. Sally Ann (Freedman) Connolly of Bayberry Road, Danvers, beloved wife of the late Dr. Eugene F. Connolly, passed away September 9, 2015 surrounded by her loving family following a brief and sudden illness.

Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Mary T. (Durgin) Freedman. She was raised and educated in Peabody and graduated from Peabody High School in 1957. She received a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Merrimack College, graduating magna cum laude and valedictorian in 1961. She then pursued graduate studies in Sociology at The Catholic University of America. While a busy mother to 4 young children, she returned to school, receiving her Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Salem State College. She also completed additional graduate work at Harvard College and Boston University. She prided herself as a lifelong learner and educator.

A former beauty queen, professional model, dancer and band vocalist, Sally performed locally on the North Shore in the 1950's and 1960's. Among the many awards she received, she was crowned Miss Massachusetts and competed in the Miss Universe contest in Long Beach, CA in 1958.

Sally enjoyed a long, distinguished career in education. She was a teacher at Peabody High School, Mount Wachusett Community College, and North Shore Community College. Until her retirement, Sally was a guidance counselor at North Shore Technical High School in Beverly and Middleton for 21 years. She was past president of Northeast Counselors Association. For many years, Sally was a member of the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MSCA) and Editor of the monthly publication of the MSCA Counselor's Notebook.

After the death of her husband of 37 years, Sally Ann found solace in creating a literary scrapbook of her husband's writings in a book titled "A Boy from Lawrence: The Collected Works of Eugene F. Connolly". In the process, she discovered a new creative outlet in writing. She continued to pen articles about health, education, lifestyle issues and local interests. She became a regular contributor to several local newspapers and has several columns syndicated nationally, in addition to 5 published books.

Active in the Town of Danvers community, Sally was a faithful communicant of St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Danvers and became a passionate believer in preserving the historical nature and open space of the Town of Danvers. She was not afraid to eloquently share her opinions in written word or orally, all with the good intention of preserving Danvers' historical value. Above all else, her family was paramount. Sally was a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother who lovingly dedicated her life to her family. She gladly shared how proud she was of the accomplishments of each of her children. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was actively involved in their care and upbringing. Sally delighted in attending the children's activities and events. She also enjoyed time spent at her vacation home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Sally is survived by her children, Kathleen Connolly and her longtime boyfriend Sean Degan of Groveland, Sean Michael Connolly, Esq. of Marblehead and his fiancée JoJo, Jennifer Connolly of Danvers and Kelly Ann Colby and her husband David of Merrimac, her seven grandchildren: Sommerlyn, Jacquelyn, and Brendan Jones of Danvers and Kaitlyn, Olivia, Jack and Emma Colby of Merrimac, her sister, Janice Lomas and her husband Fred of West Peabody, her niece, Heather Magner of West Peabody and her nephew, Eric Lomas of Danvers and her sister-in-law, Margaret Connolly of Newburyport.

More information about Sally Ann can be found at http//:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Ann_Freedman.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral will be held from the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St. (Rte 62) Danvers, Monday, Sept. 14th, at 8:15 A.M. followed by her funeral Mass in St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield at 9 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours Sunday, Sept 13th, from 2 to 6 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Sally's memory to the Sally Ann Connolly Open Space Preservation Fund c/o People's United Bank, 1 Conant Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or a favorite charity of your choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com .