Frances Elizabeth (Caniglia) Connely

September 4th, 1931-January 18th, 2022

 

Born September 4th, 1931 in Omaha, Nebraska to Samuel and Tina Caniglia, Frances Elizabeth Connely, affectionately referred to as Fran or Cici by those who knew her best, passed away on January 18th, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Fran grew up in Omaha and graduated from Omaha Central High School. She married the love of her life, Donald W. Connely, Sr. on September 10th, 1955 and together they raised 4 children. She always put family first and was an extremely proud matriarch no matter where life took them for Don’s job in the Air Force; from Nebraska, to Alaska, to Washington D.C., to Hawaii, to Colorado, and back to Omaha. Never short on words, she always knew the right thing to say but was never afraid to spar and give you her opinion and always had a joke, smile, or laugh even in the worst of moments. She also knew how to cook like no other, which she attributed to her strong Italian roots. Fran was also a dedicated, life-long Catholic and longtime attendee of Omaha’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and in her later years, St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. She didn’t fear death and we are comforted knowing she has been reunited with her husband in heaven who she oftentimes spoke of missing.

 

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Donald W. Connely, Sr.; her father, Samuel Caniglia; her mother, Concetta (Tina) Butera Caniglia; her sister, Carolyn Caniglia; and her brother, Tony Caniglia. Frances is survived by her brothers Tom Caniglia (Carolyn), Ted Caniglia (Marilyn); sister-in-law, Pat Caniglia; brother-in-law, Robert Connely; daughter Cheryl Rose (William); son Donald Connely, Jr. (Vicki); daughter Kristine Connely; son, Todd Connely; grandkids Meghan Sunblad (Kyle); Kelly Donnelly (Sean); Alison Pitnick; Carri Hughes (Matthew); Kati Tasich (Ryan); Jeff Connely; Alexander Connely; Giselle Connely; Garrett Connely; Hannah Hughes; Collin Hughes; and Delainey Hughes, as well as 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and others. 

 

Her visitation will be on Sunday, January 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with Rosary service at 1:00 p.m. at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N. 108th St. Internment 9:30 a.m. Monday, January 24th at Forest Lawn Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. This will be followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 5419 N 114th St.