North Andover - Margaret "Peggy" Connelly, 88, died peacefully surrounded by her family at Brightview North Andover on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Peggy was a devoted mother who cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a faithful friend who was always quick with a smile. Born on March 1, 1938, to Raymond and Margaret Cross, she lived in Methuen before spending most of her childhood in Haverhill, where she graduated from St. James High School in 1955. She met the love of her life while working at Haverhill Gas Company, and she and Bob were married in November 1958.

While Bob worked, Peggy proudly devoted herself to raising their four children in North Andover. She never missed a game and made sure her children were dressed in their Sunday best for church every week at St. Michael Parish. She also enjoyed engaging students in the Psychology department at Merrimack College, where she worked when her nest emptied. Peggy later took up Bob's passion for golf at Andover Country Club and proudly scored a hole-in-one before he did. Together, they enjoyed many happy years of retirement in Florida with close friends. In later years, they returned to North Andover to share more fully in their grandchildren's lives, attending countless games, wrestling matches, swim meets, and dance recitals.

Peggy especially loved preparing Sunday meals that brought everyone back to her roost, reluctantly ceding the role of host to her children only in later years. She faced Parkinson's with grace, continuing to share her warmth and smile with the many people who cared for her so kindly.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Connelly, and is survived by her children: Sharon Casey and her husband, Kevin, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts; Michael and his wife, Heidi, of North Andover; Paul and his wife, Heidi Barclay, of Brevard, North Carolina; and Daniel of Nashua, New Hampshire. She also leaves 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who were her proudest legacy.

Friends may visit with the family from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27th, at Conte Funeral Home in North Andover. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael Parish in North Andover. For online condolences please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Horizons for Homeless Children.