[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 146 (Thursday, September 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF KAREN WILLIAMS CONNELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2019

  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Karen 
Williams Connelly, 68, of Niles, Ohio, who passed away peacefully at 
home, Thursday Sept. 5, 2019, surrounded by family after a long 
illness.
  Karen was born April 7, 1951, in Warren, the daughter of her proud 
parents, Tom and Luella Knai Williams.
  After graduating from Niles McKinley in 1969, Karen attended the Ohio 
State University and eventually graduated from Youngstown State 
University. Karen earned a bachelor's degree in social work and later a 
master's degree in counseling. Karen worked in the mental health field 
in the Mahoning Valley until her retirement, helping hundreds of people 
with mental illnesses. She loved her work and her love for people could 
be seen in all aspects of her life.
  On Nov. 29, 1980, she married the love of her life, Tom Connelly, and 
together they made a life in Niles. Karen loved to laugh and enjoyed 
hosting parties, picnics and events in her home. Christmas Eve and 
Memorial Day were her favorite events and her parties became traditions 
among family and friends. Karen loved to cook and bake and was 
constantly trying new recipes.
  She will be dearly missed by her devoted husband, Thomas R. Connelly; 
her loving children, Thomas and Laura Connelly and Megan and Brian 
Gibson; her grandchildren, Lucy Gibson, Max Gibson and Lily Jones; a 
sister, Patty Williams; a brother Bryan (Lisa) Williams; and many 
nieces, nephews and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her 
parents, Tom and Luella Williams.
  The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Karen's 
physician, Dr. Zul Mangalji, and the nurses at Trumbull Memorial 
Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion during her illness.
  I am very blessed to have worked with and befriended Karen's husband, 
Tom, who was the president of AFSCME Local 2026, which represents 
hundreds of nurses at Trumbull Regional Medical Center. Karen will most 
certainly be missed by all the lives she touched.

                          ____________________