LACRESCENT/ONALASKA — Kathleen (Kay) Connolly, of La Crescent and recently of Onalaska passed away peacefully Wednesday morning November 10, 2010, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse with family by her side.

 She was 85-years-old and died of complications from Alzheimers.
Kay was born May 17, 1925, to Thomas and Mae (Stenson) Carraher in Mount Vernon, New York. On September 6, 1947, Kay married Lawrence Connolly, a decorated World War II veteran. Their 63-year marriage was blessed with five children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They lived in many places thoughout their married life and had many happy times together. Kay delighted in being around her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed gardening, bird watching and especially playing with her great granddaughter Elese.
Kay is survived by her husband Larry; five children, Maureen (Bill) Plzak, of La Crescent, Minn., Larry (Kathy) Connolly of Vero Beach, Fla., Barb (Dave) McCarthy of Duluth, Minn., Mike Connolly of Vero Beach, Fla., and Sue (Pat) Dichlian of Copley, Oh.; nine grandchildren, Katie (Gabe) Hoffmann of Palo Alto, Cal., Andy (Becca) Plzak of LaCrosse, Wis., Tim, Emma, and Matthew Connolly of Vero Beach, Fla., Shawn McCarthy of Minneapolis, Minn., Marc McCarthy of Marinette, Wis., Michelle and Michael Dichlian of Copley, Oh.; and by two great-grandchildren Elese and Zoe.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Tommy.
Private familly services were held at Oak Grove Chapel in LaCrosse. Burial will be at a later date. Her family will always remember their last bike ride on the Root River Trail in July and the loving care provided at BSJ.
Coulee Region Cremation Group assistded the family with arrangements.