Rae Carol Connolly

Rae Carol Connolly (Nordquist) passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, in Lakeville, Minnesota.

She will be remembered for her love of family, dedication to her church, and caring service to others.

Rae Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Audrey Nordquist; father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Jean Connolly; sister-in-law, Jane Connolly, nieces, Anna Taylor and Jennifer Connolly and great nephew, Thomas Palumbo.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, James Connolly; her daughter, Tricia Connolly; and beloved dog, Benji, brother, Marvin Nordquist and his wife, Marilyn; sister, Patricia Siskoff and her husband, Ken; brothers-in-law, Tom Connolly and Pat Connolly and his wife, Sue; many beloved nieces and nephews; and countless friends and members of her church family.

For 25 years, Rae Carol worked as a paraprofessional at Como Elementary School in St. Paul, serving Special Education students. She truly loved working with her students and found great joy in helping them learn, grow, and succeed. Her patience, compassion, and caring spirit made a lasting difference in the lives of many children and families.

Rae Carol enjoyed preserving family memories through scrapbooking, searching for treasures in antique shops, and spending time with those she loved. She was also well known for her baking and faithfully prepared treats for the fellowship hour at church nearly every Sunday. Sharing her homemade baked goods was one of the many ways she expressed her love and care for others.

Those who knew Rae Carol will remember her as a sweet, kind, thoughtful, and loving person whose gentle spirit touched many lives. Her unwavering faith, generous heart, and dedication to family, friends, and church will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A Memorial Service for Rae Carol will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 765 Margaret St., St. Paul, MN 55106. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 -11 AM prior to the service. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the church. Private interment at Elmhurst Cemetery will take place later.

Memorials are preferred to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Rae Carol's love, faith, and kindness will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.