Betty Joann Connolly (Goodyear) passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia at the age of 84 after a long battle with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS).

She was born on February 9, 1940 in Olean, New York, to the late George E. Goodyear and Marthanna (Shields) Goodyear. Betty was a kind, generous, and loyal friend, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was known for her selfless and faithful nature.

Betty graduated from Otto-Eldred High School (Class of 1958) and was a faithful member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, knitting, playing bingo, birdwatching, and spending quality time with her family and dear friends as well as her WINGS and Praying Hands family. On June 25, 1966, she married Jon Connolly, the love of her life. Their adventures together included raising a family in such places as Germany, Morocco, Taiwan and England and making lifelong friends along the journey.

Betty will be deeply missed by her loving family including her son Sean Connolly (Pam) and daughter Teri VanLuvanee (Daryl). She was a cherished Grandma to Bryan and Kaitlyn Connolly and Kendrik and Duncan VanLuvanee. Betty is also survived by her sister, Teresa Stock, sisters-in-law Mary Mensch and Suzanne Goodyear and stepbrother Jack Wood.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jon Connolly; mother-in-law Tessie Connolly; stepmother Viola Goodyear; brother George Goodyear; brothers-in-law Dave Mensch and Fred Stock and stepbrother Carlton Wood.

A memorial Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Sartwell on July 22, 2024 at 10.00 AM. An internment of her ashes will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sartwell, PA following the mass. The Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Home in Port Allegany, PA, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association DC/MD/VA Chapter, 30 W. Gude Dr., Rockville, MD 20850, to support “Connolly’s Crusaders” in memory of her husband, Jon, who battled ALS. Betty was his primary caregiver and a passionate advocate for ALS Research.