Barbara Jean Connolly

Barbara Jean Connolly, 72, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2021 in her New York City home. She was born in Pelham Manor, New York to John J. Connolly Sr. and Doris Loughran Connolly. Barbara is survived by her lifelong partner, Andreas Werner; her brother, John J. Connolly Jr. and his wife Nancy and their children, Laura, Jennifer (Khang), Megan, Mary (Andy); her sister, Patricia and her daughters Amy and Melissa; 10 grand nieces and nephews, and her constant four-legged companion, Ollie, the dachshund.

In her youth, Barbara attended The Ursuline School in New Rochelle and graduated from Rosemont College in Pennsylvania. She started her career in the New York City fashion industry holding management positions at Russ Togs, Leon Levin, and Knitastics. Later, Barbara combined her love for New York City and gift for connecting people to establish a successful real estate career at The Corcoran Group.

Barbara gave generously of her time to organizations dedicated to advancing educational excellence. Her alma mater, Rosemont College, recognized Barbara’s volunteer ethic with several distinguished service awards, as well as a coveted position on the college’s Board of Trustees. She also served as a Trustee to Cristo Rey New York, a college-preparatory Catholic high school serving highly motivated students of all faiths who lack the educational background or financial means to attend private school.

A life-long New Yorker, Barbara was an independent, tenacious, bright-light who warmed up any room she entered. She was an interesting combination of selflessness and individualism, thriving on helping others while also committed to self expression. In her dedication to those she loved, she became herself: a colorful and spontaneous woman full of heart and sympathetic to the frailties of human nature.

Barbo, as her nieces and nephews called her, sported printed scarves, fanciful belts, polka dots, stripes, red heels — whatever caught her eye and made her heart laugh. And her laugh — it was infectious and liberating for those fortunate enough to share it. Her visceral distaste of schedules and irreverence of time made each of her days unique; one never looked quite like another. But if a problem needed solving, Barbara brought to it her indefatigable heart and unstoppable determination — you were in good hands with Barb as your best. She was “The Great Barbo” to all who loved her.

Barbara spent her summers in Westhampton Beach on the small peninsula of Pond Point. A unique community of tiny beach cottages, Pond Point was a lifelong refuge and respite for Barbara from the demands of New York City living, and a place of life-long friendships. Photography was a great passion of hers, and the coastline and dunes of Westhampton Beach, and later Water Mill, where she spent many years with Andreas, were forever a subject of creative inspiration for her. But perhaps the greatest gift that Barbara leaves to all who knew and loved her was the optimistic lens through which she captured and shared her life.

Online condolences as well as a fond memory about Barbara can be shared at the Frank E. Campbell Website: www.frankecampbell.com.

Funeral arrangements will be private and a celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date. Donations can be made to:

• Rosemont College (the Remembering Jude Cafe)

• Cristo Rey New York City High School