Mrs. Sandra Connelly

Connelly Sandra (Sandy) McNichol Connelly, 40, of Glenolden, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 22, 2013 after a courageous, inspiring battle with cancer. Her husband Chris, children Ryan & Evan and her loving family were by her side when she passed. Sandy was born on July 4th, 1973 in Hamilton Square, NJ, to devoted parents, Bill and Angie McNichol who describe her as a delightful child. She attended Steinert High School in Hamilton Township, NJ, and graduated in 1991. She earned her BA in English from Widener University, Chester, PA, in 1995, followed by an M.Ed. in Reading from Widener University in 1998. In 2001, Sandy became a Fellow of the Pennsylvania Writing and Literacy Project (PAWLP) through West Chester University, PA, where she also earned a Master's Degree in Writing in 2008. She began her career as a reading specialist at Upper Darby High School in Drexel Hill, PA, before becoming a tenured reading professor at Delaware County Community College, Media, PA, where she worked for more than ten years, earning the rank of Associate Professor in 2012. A talented educator, she was passionate about her teaching and helping her students learn. Sandy was dearly loved by her students and colleagues. What Sandy loved most was spending time with her family and friends. She considered her greatest achievement in life to be her two beautiful, precious sons, Ryan and Evan. Her favorite place to vacation with her boys was Sea Isle City, NJ. Sandy also enjoyed reading and basketball and was a talented writer and artist. She was a member of Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Darby, PA. The community at Blessed Virgin Mary Church and her faith was a source of strength and comfort to Sandy before and during her struggle with cancer. Sandy was known for her thoughtful gift giving, yet the greatest gift she ever gave was the gift of herself. She touched everyone she met with her deep compassion, thoughtfulness, generosity, integrity, sense of humor, incredible strength, and beautiful smile. A beautiful smile no one could ever forget. Her sweet spirit will live forever in the hearts of those who knew her. Sandy is survived by her husband of seventeen years, Chris Connelly. She is also survived by her two children, Ryan Christopher and Evan Xavier; her parents, Bill and Angie McNichol of Hamilton Square, NJ; her sister, Lisa McNichol (Matt) Luna of Robbinsville, NJ. and her father and mother-in-law, Chip and Mary Anne Connelly, of Glenolden, PA. Friends are invited to Sandy's Life Celebration Tuesday 6-9pm at James F. Knoetgen of Morton, 746 Kedron Ave (Rt. 420) and Wednesday 9:00-10:30AM at Blessed Virgin Mary RC Church, 1101 Main Street, Darby, PA 19023. followed my her Funeral Mass at 10:30am, Interment will follow at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sandy Connelly Children's College Fund, Beneficial Bank, 1862 Delmar Drive, Folcroft, PA 19032-1414. To share youre fondest memories of Sandy please visit www.lifecelebration.com, 1-800-GIVNISH