Elaine Connelly (née Shontz), or "Boo" as she was affectionately known, age 78, a lifelong resident of New Jersey, passed away surrounded by the love of family on February 16, 2025, at Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia due to post-op complications.

Elaine spent many years working as a dedicated legal secretary, bringing diligence and intelligence to her profession. However, her proudest roles in life were mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family was her heart, and nothing brought her more joy than a home filled with the laughter and love of those she cherished most. Beyond family, her Lithuanian heritage was a source of deep pride!

She had a passion for reading and gardening, and later in life discovered a love for watercolor painting, embracing it with her characteristic enthusiasm. She stayed active with yoga and Pilates, and always made time for friendships, conversation, and shared laughter.

She absolutely loved sunshine! Warm weather meant you'd find her outside in her amazing brightly colored Fresh Produce dresses and flip-flops, of course! She was happiest pottering around in the garden, tending to her beautiful backyard and making sure the birds were well-fed. Memories of her floating peacefully in her pool will always bring a smile to our faces, as well!

Boo's love extended beyond her immediate circle. She was a devoted fan of the Phillies and the 76ers, her cheering echoing their triumph and commiserating their losses. Most of all, Auburn University men's basketball held an extra special place in her heart all season long and especially during March Madness!

Her cooking brought people together. Her culinary skills were legendary, her table always open to family and friends, a gathering place where stories were shared and bonds were strengthened over delicious, home-cooked meals.

She possessed an insatiable curiosity, evident in her eclectic hobbies. In addition to the above, she enjoyed saying the rosary, yard sailing, traveling the US and abroad, looking for sea glass and shark teeth, drinking Starbucks coffee, crabbing, eating crabs, playing music on her CD player, doing Wordle and crossword puzzles and more. Listing all of her interests feels like trying to capture the ocean in a teacup!

She was funny, smart, fiercely resilient and independent, had unwavering devotion to those she held dear and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys!

Elaine's spirit will continue to live on in the family she nurtured, the memories she made, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed forever!

Elaine is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Christina Torrens (Scott), her treasured grandchildren: Michael Connelly (Jessica), Madison Connelly, Connor Torrens and Carly Torrens, her beloved great-grandchildren: Charleigh Rae and Lane Connelly.  She is also survived by her brother, John Shontz, her sister-in-law (and friend), Carolyn Shontz, nieces, nephew, and many longtime friends who she considered family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Isabella Shontz, son, Michael Connelly and granddaughter, Ashleigh Connelly.

For all who wish to celebrate this life well-lived, a memorial mass will be held at 11am on Friday, May 16th, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 606 Shore Rd. in Somers Point, NJ.