Veronica Connery

Veronica A. Connery, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandma, died Jan. 19, near her 99th birthday, at Willow Point Nursing Center in Vestal, N.Y. She hoped to reach 100, but COVID and Alzheimer’s interfered. Mother of five, Veronica had seven grandchildren. She had lived in Vestal since 1960 and was married for many years to the late William J. Connery. Born Feb. 1, 1922, in Dannemora, N.Y., to Arthur and Mildred (Haley) Leonard, Veronica grew up in Plattsburgh, N.Y. After high school, she moved to Troy, N.Y. She met Bill while working at General Electric Co. and they married in 1945. They lived in Cohoes, N.Y., and in Latham before moving to Vestal. (Bill, who helped found the Vestal Senior Center, died in 1979.) For many years, Veronica spent summers at her family’s Adirondack camp at Chazy Lake, N.Y., where she enjoyed time with family and friends. After Bill’s death, she learned to drive, and began working. An expert seamstress, she sometimes displayed her children’s and doll clothes in the fabrics department at Burt’s Department Store, Endicott, N.Y. As she had for her daughters, she sewed doll outfits, and beautiful dresses, for her grandchildren. For many years, “Ronnie” played bridge and enjoyed outings with friends including Dot Creedon, Lucille Giles and Betty Hildebrant. An excellent baker, she filled the kitchen with cookies, cakes and bars. She also spent hours gardening and oil painting. For many years, she was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Vestal. Survivors include three sons, John A. (Jack) Connery of Vestal, William J. Connery, of Oaks, Pa., and Kevin L. Connery of Friendsville, Pa.; two daughters, Veronica (Bonnie) Alberico of Vestal and Ann Frantz, with her husband George, of Lancaster, Mass., 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her sister, Marilyn Collins, and sister-in-law, Geraldine, live in Plattsburgh. She was predeceased by two brothers, Charles “Jerry” Leonard and John Leonard, along with his wife, Shirley. Over the years, Veronica lovingly cared for her nearby grandchildren, Mrs. Michael (Kim Connery) Mackey, now of Broadmoor, N.C., Dana Connery of Nashville, Tenn., and Samantha Connery, of Rochester, N.Y. Other grandchildren include Alicia (Ed) Bethel and Michael Alberico, both of Rutland, Vt., Adam Frantz of Clinton, Mass., and Fagan (Thomas) Forhan, of Lancaster, Mass. Great-grandchildren are Riley and Shelby Forhan of Lancaster; Cruz Favor, Evan and Declan Mackey of Raleigh, N. C., and, in the Rutland area, Hailey, Elaina, Ava and Carter Bethel, Michael and Veda Alberico. Bonnie and Jack did much to ease Mom’s final years. The family thanks the staff of Willow Point Nursing Home for her care. Because of COVID risks, a family memorial service will be held at a later time.
She will be buried beside Bill in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. Contributions in her memory may be made to: Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, 705 W. Main St., Endicott, N.Y. 13760-4521.