Henrietta (Etta) Blanche (MacLean) Connolly

Henrietta “Etta” Blanche Connolly (nee MacLean) passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026 at Beach Grove Home in Charlottetown, sure of the love of her family.

Daughter of the late Willard and Blanche MacLean, Etta was the beloved wife of Paul Connolly and the treasured mother of Sue (Greg Ridgway), Nancy, Heather (Danny Joris), and John (Joelle). She was a loving grandmother to Henry, Charlie, Stan, Louie, Frances, Terry, and Kay, and step-grandmother to Naomi. She will be dearly missed by her siblings Milton MacLean (Arlene), Ralph MacLean (Coleen), and Ken MacLean (Brenda), in-laws Phyllis MacLean, Mary Murphy, Steve & Marg Connolly, Allan “Postie” Connolly, Mike & Fran Connolly and Dave Connolly, as well as her many cherished nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Etta was predeceased by her brothers Charlie and Leith MacLean, her sister Hazel MacLeod, sisters-in-law Debbie MacLean, Dot MacLean and Peggy Connolly, and brothers-in-law Lloyd MacKinnon, Sterling MacLeod and Gene Murphy.

Etta grew up in a large and loving family on a mixed farm in Peter’s Road, Prince Edward Island. Raised with strong values and deep kindness, she developed early in life the qualities that would define her: a strong work ethic, a fiercely independent spirit, and a remarkable capacity for care.

A Registered Nurse by profession, Etta’s dedication to caregiving found its perfect expression in nursing. She ended her career as Assistant Head Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit of the former PEI Hospital, a role she performed with excellence and compassion. The friendships she formed during her nursing years remained close and lifelong.

Together with her husband Paul, Etta was the heart of their home and family. A creative and devoted mother, she fostered in her children a love of play, a strong sense of responsibility, and the same deep kindness she herself lived by. As a grandmother, she was enthusiastic, affectionate, and always delighted to be in the presence of her grandchildren.

Etta was widely known for her generosity, warmth, unwavering loyalty to her family, and unshakable independence. She had a rare gift for making those around her feel seen, appreciated, encouraged and loved.

In her final years, Etta lived with Alzheimer’s disease, facing it with courage, grace, and her signature quick wit. Even in her most difficult moments, her appreciation for her loved ones and her gentle dignity never wavered.  Throughout these years, Etta was cared for and supported by her immediate and extended family, as well as by a close circle of friends. The loyalty, kindness, and steadfast presence of those who walked alongside her were deeply meaningful and will always be remembered with gratitude.

Much of Etta’s later care was provided by the Acute Geriatric Psychiatric Unit at Hillsborough Hospital and by Beach Grove Home.  The Connolly family extends sincere thanks to the caregivers at both facilities for their exceptional compassion, patience, respect and and dedication. Your kindness was a true blessing during Etta’s final journey and brought peace to all who loved her. 

Resting at Belvedere Funeral Home, where visitation will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, 235 Prince Street, Charlottetown, on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:30am with reception to follow. The church will be livestreaming the funeral service via the following link Livestream.

Interment will take place at the Roman Catholic Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Charlottetown or to the charity of your choice.