Norma (Berry) Connelly

Norma Berry Connelly, 82, of Fredericksburg, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023. She was born to the late Luther and Elsie Berry of King George.

After high school, Norma attended Longwood College and completed a two-year business course. She began her career with the Federal Government in 1970. In 2000, she retired from the Department of the Navy, having served as Secretary and Confidential Assistant to seven Chiefs of Information over a period of 22 years. Upon retirement, she was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award.

Norma was a member of the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church and had been an active member of the Wesleyan Circle. She served as a volunteer at Mary Washington Hospital. She enjoyed spending time at the family cottage at Fairview Beach and boating on the Potomac River.  For many years, she delighted in the companionship of her beagle, “Gunner.”

In 2004, Norma suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm which severely compromised her remaining years. Despite that, her will to live kept her going for 19 more years.

She is survived by her sister, Jettie Cover and brother-in-law Herbert Cover; and nieces and nephews Stephanie Hayden, Benjamin Cover, James Huesmann, and Gail Huesmann.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, CWO3 Richard Connelly; and her sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Loury Huesmann.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. in Quantico National Cemetery beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fredericksburg United Methodist Church.