[Vision2020] Moscow Loses a Beloved Icon

[Donovan Arnold]

 My heart hurts!!
 
My loving Aunt, Carol Ann Connelly, affectionately known by most of us in Moscow as “Annie” has died this day, July, 12th, 2008 at age 58. Annie was the special daughter of the late Doris and Leland Connelly, founders of Tri-State, and the sister of Gerard Connelly, current owner of Tri-State, and sister to Michelle Connelly Arnold, and Mary Connelly. 
 
Annie was special because she was born with a developmental disability, leaving her with a child like mind for her entire 58 years of life. Annie was not expected to live very long after her birth, but her family and community prayed to God and for an intercession from Saint Gerard. Annie miraculously survived. Every day of her life since has been both a blessing and a miracle. 
 
Annie had the gift of making everyone smile. She had more friends than most people can count. People in every corner of Moscow knew her. No matter where she went, people always approached her and greeted her. She did not judge others, and was friend to everyone. She was pure heart and love. The simplest of things would make her smile, and her laughter filled your heart with joy and comfort. There was nobody in the world like her. She was without doubt her mother’s angel. God blessed Moscow with her lifelong presents. She was a joy to all that knew her. 
 
Annie was born in 1949, a time when society was not as accepting of people with disabilities and not included in much of main stream society. Because of this, Annie’s family and friends had to work hard to change laws and attitudes in Moscow and Idaho to include her and people like her in our schools and other community activities. This resulted in the creation of Moscow’s Opportunity School, and many other legal and charitable organizations for people in Moscow and Idaho with disabilities that followed behind her. Annie was a cause and inspiration for many of the early pioneers that helped establish many of the rights for those in Moscow and Idaho with disabilities. 
 
I greatly miss my friend and aunt, Annie. When I was a child me and Annie use to play games, go for walks, go on boat rides, work on puzzles, and listen to records together in the summers and during winter breaks. My heart breaks with her departure. Her fragile body has finally given in to time after 58 years of living with many challenges. She was a living angel, who has now gone to join the others. 
 
I love you Annie!
 
Your loving nephew,
 
Donovan


      
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