Dr. Arlene F. Connolly, 90, of Bedford, Massachusetts and formerly of Concord, Massachusetts, Professor Emerita at Boston University, died at Carleton-Willard Village on July 21, 2021. Born in Ayer, Massachusetts on November 25, 1930, she was the loving daughter of the late Gerard and Mabel (Connell) Connolly. During her youth, she grew up on her parents' farm and apple orchard in Groton, Massachusetts. From an early age, Arlene recognized her calling of becoming a Registered Nurse. She attended Boston University School of Nursing and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Her first position was at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston as a Staff Nurse, and subsequently as Head Nurse. She also taught in their diploma school. Arlene returned to Boston University where she pursued a Master of Science degree in Education and Curriculum Development. Following her graduation, she joined the Boston University School of Nursing, and eventually became a full tenured Professor. It was during this time that she earned her Doctorate in the School of Education, with a major in Administration and Management in Higher Education. Prior to retirement, she also served as Interim Dean of the Graduate School of Nursing for two years. During her career, she traveled with colleagues to French West Africa on behalf of the World Health Organization to assist in determining the resources needed to better nursing education in that area of Africa. The Administrator of the World Health Organization implemented their findings. An animal lover, she was devoted in her later years to her beloved cat, Puddin. Survivors include her close friend, Janet Kennedy of Bedford, Massachusetts, and several cousins. She was the sister of the late Gerard Connolly, Jr. Relatives and friends will gather for a period of visitation in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord, Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 28th from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Ayer, Massachusetts. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. Words of remembrance delivered by Kevin Thomas Plodzik: Good morning to us here and to those in electronic connection, and welcome as we unite today in our mourning the loss of Dr. Arlene Frances Connolly from her being in association with each of us in whatever personal and professional ways. But even with our sorrow, we gather also to remember, to celebrate and to believe. I am Kevin Thomas Plodzik, privileged to be a friend of Arlene through my connection with Arlene's long-time friend, Janet Kennedy, and through my wife Margaret Frazier, a student and subsequent professional colleague of Arlene. With that, since I was not a student nor one in collegiality with Arlene as many here today and those not able to be here were, and undoubtedly, they could complete more fully detailing her scholarly life, my knowledge and friendship were ratified by my hearing and reading of her astonishing career, sharing welcoming occasions with her along with Janet and Margaret; and being fortunate with Margaret to be part of their relocating from one Town's residence to one in a nearby community. All such were grateful blessings, indeed. Arlene had this locale as home, even with her professional journeys afar. While being raised on the family farm and orchard on Indian Hill Road in Groton, Massachusetts - in which she delighted - she was welcomed into and strengthened in her continuing Catholic faith in a church there. But, the former St. Bernard Church, one of the foundations of this Parish, was hers in her residing in Concord. In fact, the photo of her posted these days, including that of the Mass Booklet, was included in the former parish's yearbook Arlene had, as had her Mother Mabel, been given longevity of life not for its sake alone, but rather as gifting a plethora of opportunities for her to provide committed service to others. She capitalized on those given opportunities throughout her life. I invite you to reflect on those as so many remember her as the outstanding nurse educator that she was. Imagine how many professionals in their chosen nursing career were the beneficiaries of Dr. Connolly's skills and manner of imparting those. Margaret Frazier states consistently and clearly: "Arlene was the best educator that I ever had." Others we know echoed that. Hear this. In 1974 over a dozen of her students, having completed taking her course of Micro-Teaching wrote unsolicited to the then Deans of Boston University's School of Nursing: I quote from their correspondence: "This was one of the most fulfilling and worthwhile experiences of our graduate school career. continuing from the letter: Very few people have the ability to cultivate and to stimulate a class as well as Dr. Connolly does. More important than content, however, is Dr. Connolly herself. She fosters initiative, creativity, and support. She gives of herself enthusiastically and kindly - closest to a role model in education that we have found, thanks to her warmth, knowledge, support, and attention." End quote. Indeed, That is a testimony! Such were highly commonly prevalent evaluative comments throughout her professorial teaching, research, writing, consulting, and administrative careers. Think of the many hundreds, more even, local, national and international students of nursing who experienced her manner, yes, we understand, could be occasionally challenging, and her proficient teaching, and then they went out to emulate those in caring for their patients. They knew that Arlene, first and foremost, was a registered nurse herself in the beginning of her career, and she knew solidly of what she taught. Recall that Arlene was in the second graduating class of the Boston University School of Nursing, receiving a Baccalaureate degree, and being inducted into the local Theta Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, both events in 1953. So, in that and in so much more, we have our remembrance of Arlene. St. John Baptist de La Salle, Founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and designated patron of all teachers, centuries ago, reflecting from the Book of Daniel, reminded his then fledging group of Brother educators, that "They that are learned shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that instruct many to justice, as stars for all eternity. So shall Arlene. As we remember, we in turn celebrate in joy as well the special and wonderful times that so many of us have shared with her - times of Arlene collaborating especially with colleagues at the Boston University School of Nursing - some of whom are able to be with us this morning - socially connecting with many of us, perhaps sharing a meal in full conversation, always with her asking how each of us was, and what was new with us, and —of course, her never omitting an update on the dogs as well as about a certain resident feline dubbed Puddin. And yes further, we believe. Today's special and relevant Liturgy - with our deep gratitude to you, Father Bill , for being our Celebrant - speaks in Word, Song, - thank you Jim and Connie, - and in what transpires Sacramentally at this table - tells to us who are grounded in faith that life is changed, not taken away. We believe that the Lord of Life speaks to Arlene in no uncertain terms in his acceptance of her: "Arlene, I am most pleased with you!" We can be assured and comforted in such affirmation because of the strong devotion to others that Arlene lived in her profession and in the faith given to her in Baptism. So, in our farewells, let us continue to Remember, to Celebrate, and to Believe. Is there doubt that Arlene would want anything further? Indeed, the road has risen to meet her, the sun warms her face, the wind is at her back, and she knows fully the comfort of the loving Hand of her God. So, with one who has written well ahead of us, we repeat: Good Night, dear Lady, and may the flights of angels take thee to thy well-deserved rest. All of us, with hearts joined, at this time and in this holy space, affirm such with our acclamation: So be it. So be it.