Obituary for Bridget T. "Bridie" Stafford (Connolly)
Bridget “Bridie” (Connolly) Stafford, 82, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2022, following a lengthy illness. Affectionately known as Bridie, she was born on January 11, 1940, in Galway, Ireland, the eldest (and only daughter) of Mary and Joseph Connolly. Bridie’s childhood was spent in Clarinbridge, Ireland. At the age of 17, Bridie bravely left Ireland alone in search of opportunity in the Boston area. There she met John Stafford, also a recent immigrant from Ireland. They married on April 8, 1961 and settled in Newton where they raised three children and lived for over 60 years.
Coming from humble beginnings, Bridie never lost her appreciation for all her life’s blessings. She believed in hard work, proudly working for Hewlett-Packard for 40 years, starting as a shift worker on the manufacturing line working her way up to corporate buyer. After retirement, she felt called to serve the elderly population, and worked as a home care aide for many years. She dearly loved listening to the stories and absorbing the wisdom of her senior companions.
She loved her entire family, supporting them unconditionally and unselfishly all her life. Her greatest joy was family gatherings where she would lovingly dote on her six grandchildren (Sean, Pierce, Erin, Drew, Aidan and Leah). An avid runner (later walker), sun worshiper and thrift shopper, Bridie kept a meticulous home and never missed a weekly manicure. Those who knew her were touched by her positivity and vivacious personality. She had a strong faith and believed strongly in the power of prayer.
While the Boston area became her home, she never lost her Irish accent or Irish spirit. She regularly read the Irish newspapers, and travelled back to Connemara, Galway frequently to visit her parents, brothers, extended family and friends.
Bridie is survived by her husband of 61 years, John Stafford of Dedham, her brothers Michael and Padraig of Ireland and Thomas of Natick, MA. She leaves a legacy of love in her three children and their spouses, John and Patricia Stafford of Natick, Colleen and Peter Dierker of Westwood and Robert and Marie Stafford of Westford, MA.
She is predeceased by her mother Mary and father Joseph and brother, Joe Connolly, all of Ireland. Visitation is offered on Sunday, May 15 from 2 to 5PM at the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home at 56 Washington St, Wellesley Hills, MA and services held on Monday, May 16 at 10AM at St. John the Evangelist Church at 9 Glen Rd, Wellesley, MA. The family requests any memorial contributions be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.
Coming from humble beginnings, Bridie never lost her appreciation for all her life’s blessings. She believed in hard work, proudly working for Hewlett-Packard for 40 years, starting as a shift worker on the manufacturing line working her way up to corporate buyer. After retirement, she felt called to serve the elderly population, and worked as a home care aide for many years. She dearly loved listening to the stories and absorbing the wisdom of her senior companions.
She loved her entire family, supporting them unconditionally and unselfishly all her life. Her greatest joy was family gatherings where she would lovingly dote on her six grandchildren (Sean, Pierce, Erin, Drew, Aidan and Leah). An avid runner (later walker), sun worshiper and thrift shopper, Bridie kept a meticulous home and never missed a weekly manicure. Those who knew her were touched by her positivity and vivacious personality. She had a strong faith and believed strongly in the power of prayer.
While the Boston area became her home, she never lost her Irish accent or Irish spirit. She regularly read the Irish newspapers, and travelled back to Connemara, Galway frequently to visit her parents, brothers, extended family and friends.
Bridie is survived by her husband of 61 years, John Stafford of Dedham, her brothers Michael and Padraig of Ireland and Thomas of Natick, MA. She leaves a legacy of love in her three children and their spouses, John and Patricia Stafford of Natick, Colleen and Peter Dierker of Westwood and Robert and Marie Stafford of Westford, MA.
She is predeceased by her mother Mary and father Joseph and brother, Joe Connolly, all of Ireland. Visitation is offered on Sunday, May 15 from 2 to 5PM at the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home at 56 Washington St, Wellesley Hills, MA and services held on Monday, May 16 at 10AM at St. John the Evangelist Church at 9 Glen Rd, Wellesley, MA. The family requests any memorial contributions be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.