Loretta M. Stanton Connelly, 89 BOARDMAN--Loretta M. Stanton Connelly, a devoted and compassionate wife and mother, died Thursday morning at her home in Boardman with her daughters at her side. She was 89. Mrs. Connelly was born in Youngstown on April 18, 1919 to Leo and Mary Ellen Stanton and grew up with three brothers and a sister. She graduated from South High School. She married Thomas F. Connelly on June 21, 1941 at St. Patrick's Church in Youngstown. They were married for 62 years, raised their children at a home on Charles Avenue and celebrated their daughters' marriages, the births of their grandchildren and numerous other special occasions together before Mr. Connelly passed away in 2003. A strong woman of Irish heritage and Catholic faith, Mrs. Connelly was a long-time parishioner of St. Charles Catholic Church in Boardman. Mrs. Connelly was fond of the expression, "we are woman; we are strong," and this value was manifested in her daily life. She spent four years away from her husband during World War II, worked at General Fireproofing from 1940-44, raised a large family and fought through illness. Never short on family and friends, Mrs. Connelly especially enjoyed large holiday gatherings at her daughters' homes. Her presence, stories and humor lit up a room and kept her family close. She is survived by five daughters: Mary (Thomas) Stabi of Boardman; Peggy (Randy) Ramhoff of Sandusky; Kathy (Frank) Musilli of Canfield; Jeanne (Steve) Bernard of Stow; Joanie (John) Ramson of Poland; and a son, Pat Connelly. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Keith and Katie Stabi; Lindsay and Megan Ramhoff; Michael Musilli; Brian, Becky and Joey Bernard; Jayme, Johnny and Jimmy Ramson; Colleen Soares; Christopher Connelly; and seven great-grandchildren. She is survived by three sisters-in-law: Betty Hamer, Francis Connelly and Rose Connelly. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Connelly was preceded in death by a daughter, Maureen Connelly Deniakis; brothers James, William and Leo Stanton; a sister, Emily Stanton Durkin; and a grandson, Johnny Deniakis. Friends may call Sunday, Feb. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market Street, Youngstown. Prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Saint Charles Church celebrated by Father Philip Rogers. Family and friends may visit www.foxfunerahome.org to view this obituary and send condolences. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley and asks that material contributions be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44512. Loretta Connelly will be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to her family, her strength and her faith.