Elizabeth A. (Halpin) Connelly, a cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, with her loving family by her side in Boonville, NY.

     Elizabeth was born on September 26, 1936, to Joseph Connelly and Gladys Topa in Utica, NY. Elizabeth graduated from Utica Catholic Academy in 1955 and attended Utica School of Business. Elizabeth was married to Robert Halpin in 1959, with whom she shared five wonderful children. While she dedicated many years working at Fleet and could often be found waitressing at the local diner in Remsen, NY, her heart was always at home with her children.

     She never missed a practice or sports game, which was no small task with 5 athletic children and was known for always making sure their friends, whom she loved as her own, not only had a ride but a fan in the stands, cheering them on. This carried over to her grandchildren and their ventures with sports and activities, truly speaking to Elizabeth's dedication to family. Elizabeth carried a deep sense of pride in all of her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

     Her passion for the Olympics was unmatched, and she meticulously documented every event and kept a tally of every gold, silver and bronze medal won for each country. One of her greatest joys was attending the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Elizabeth was a true history buff and had a love for travel, visiting 21 states and 3 countries, with Ireland holding a special place in her heart; she visited the beautiful country three times.

     She was the center of every event, holiday and family gathering, her favorite being the annual Halpin Golf Tournament, where she was always surrounded by family and many close friends she did not get to see often, who would line up to greet her. Elizabeth was known to hit the dance floor; she never needed a reason to celebrate or have a good time.   

     Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers-in-law Marc Major, William Bashant and Wayne Decker, her daughter-in-law Anne Halpin, and her beloved son Robert Halpin Jr.

     She is survived by her sisters who were truly her best friends Marilyn Major, Beverly Mellito, Gail Decker, and Sandra Bashant, her sons Joseph Halpin of Cicero, NY and Timothy (Karen) Halpin of Trenton Falls, NY; her daughters Tamisue (Les) Shaler of Remsen, NY; and Jill (Jerry) Smith of Remsen, NY; 12 grandchildren, Robert (Michelle) Halpin of Pennsylvania, Benjamin (Alyssa) Halpin of New Hampshire, Randy (Katie) Hughes of New Hartford, NY, Courtney Hughes of Delmar, NY, Trevor Hughes of Utica, NY, Alex (Ilana) Smith of Las Vegas, NV, Brooke (Teddy) Flint of Verona, NY, Carly (Travis) Sholder of Colorado, Tyler Halpin of Colorado, Audrey Halpin of Cicero, NY, Ryan (Kiersten) Halpin of Stittville, NY and Shannon (Jacob) Ilten of Evans Mills, NY; 13 great grand-children, with two more on the way, each one bringing immense joy to her life, many very special nieces and nephews and beloved bonus kids Tracy Winterton, Floyd, NY and Kevin Storsberg, Floyd, NY.

     Elizabeth A. Connelly's life was a testament to unwavering love and dedication to her family. Her legacy will continue through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her spirit of love and kindness.

      Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 2 to 5 pm at Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd, Utica, NY 13502 with a service to follow at the funeral home. The burial will be on Friday, April 17th @ 10 am at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro, A celebration of Elizabeth’s life is planned for May 9, 2026, at The Prospect Pub, Prospect, NY, additional details forthcoming.

     The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Sunset Nursing Home in Boonville, NY, for their compassionate care and genuine love shown to Elizabeth, not only in her final days but all of her time spent there.

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.