MARBLEHEAD — The rhythm of compassion took center stage as more than 50 people gathered at the Gerry No. 5 Veteran Fireman’s Association for a special Zumba Fundraiser in honor of Carol Connolly.
Connolly is a beloved nurse, dancer, and friend whose resilience continues to inspire everyone who knows her.
On Sept. 9, 2024, Connolly’s life changed when a fall while bringing in the mail caused a spinal cord injury, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. Despite the physical and emotional challenges that followed — including numerous hospitalizations — Connolly has faced every obstacle with extraordinary courage, her friends shared at the event.
After months in Mass General and Spaulding Rehabilitation, she has been residing at Sunrise of Lynnfield Assisted Living, continuing her journey of healing and adaptation.
Her ultimate dream is to reunite permanently with her sister Jan in Ireland, where she hopes to continue her recovery surrounded by family and support. Since Connolly’s fall, Jan moved from Ireland and moved in with Connolly to take care of her full-time. Now the pair would like to travel back to Ireland to have full family support.
The Zumba Fundraiser embodies Connolly’s lifelong love for dance and community. Hosted by Rachelle Bruzzese, who has been a fitness instructor for 25 years, met Connolly seven years ago while teaching Zumba at the Swampscott senior center.
Connolly was a regular in class and often noticed for her perfect makeup and matching workout clothes, her friends said.
“I just wanted to do something for her, and what I know best is how to dance to Zumba. So I’m just hoping that we can provide some help to her and help raise funds for her medical bills,” Bruzzese said.
Kim Staples, who also helped to organize the event, said that Connolly’s family in Ireland has converted a section of their house into a “mobile hospital” for Connolly. Equipped with everything she would need to be the most comfortable.
Staples added that Connolly’s sister, Jan, has been working to obtain citizenship for Connolly in order to move to Ireland, but it has proved challenging.
Maureen Sullivan, who used to participate in Zumba with Connolly said, “We all love Carol, she is just a wonderful person.”
Lifelong friend of both Jan and Connolly, Jan Lisi said, “We have to get her on the mend,” and the monies raised by the fundraiser will help.
Another very close friend, Maureen Lee, said Connolly “is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. She’s there for everyone.”
Lee added, “maybe the money raised will help relieve some of their issues. That’s why we’re all here to support her as best we can.”
Born on December 26, 1949, and growing up in Swampscott, Connolly began her education at Saint John’s School, where she was one of the youngest students in her class. She enjoyed a happy childhood with her sister Jan. Her early years were filled with music and movement—she trained in tap, jazz, and ballet at Canessa’s Dance Studio in Lynn and shone in recitals at Lynn City Hall. Dance became her lifelong passion.
At Swampscott High School, Connolly continued her love for dance as part of the Drill Team, performing at football halftime shows. She was also active in field hockey and basketball, proving that her energy and enthusiasm extended far beyond the stage. Though 1967 brought both joy and heartbreak—her graduation year and the year she lost her father.
Inspired by her mother, a nurse, Connolly decided to follow in her footsteps. After initially considering teaching, she earned her nursing degree from Northeastern University and graduated as an RN in 1975. She began her career at Lynn Hospital, where she built lasting friendships and earned the admiration of colleagues and patients alike for her compassion and dedication. When Lynn Hospital closed, she continued her work at Union Hospital until her retirement in 2011.
Even after retiring, Connolly’s caring nature never stopped. She became active in the Senior Center and Weight Watchers, where she developed another circle of supportive friends.
