Jennifer Helene Connolly, 46, of Shady Side, Maryland, passed away on May 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma.
She was born on March 8, 1980, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Towson, Maryland. Her family moved shortly after her birth to Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where Jennifer grew up and attended Holy Family School in Phoenixville and Saint Pius X High School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. She was self-driven and competitive from a young age, participating in cheerleading, softball, and field hockey all throughout her school years. After graduating from high school in 1998, she attended Shippensburg University earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2002 and went on to graduate from University of Baltimore with a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2004.
Jennifer was employed by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC as Assistant Director of Human Resources and Recruitment. She previously worked at the American Correctional Association as Director of Administration and Grants and was also employed by Dr. Cynthia Smith as Grant Administrator. In her free time, she enjoyed staying active, working out, and running.
Jennifer’s primary focus and greatest love in her life were her two girls, Grace and Charlotte “Charly”. She always encouraged them to try their hardest, do well in school, stay active, involved, and be kind. She was not only their mother, but their forever cheerleader, and their best friend. She proudly wore the title of “Dance Mom” devoting countless hours to practices, rehearsals, competitions, travel and celebrations always cheering her girls on with unwavering love and pride. She cherished her family and friends, who were the center of her life and the source of her greatest joy. She loved bringing people together and thrived on planning family vacations, especially magical trips to Disney where countless treasured memories were made. Jennifer was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and enthusiastically cheered them on, win or lose.
Jennifer is survived by her daughters, Grace and Charlotte (Charly); her parents, Brian and Mary (nee Muth) Connolly of Shady Side, MD (previously from Phoenixville, PA), aunts and uncles Kevin Connolly, Michael & Susan (nee Connolly) Cihak, David McAvoy, Brendan & Sharon (nee Reynolds) Connolly, and Margaret (nee Muth) Grove, as well as numerous cousins, and her beloved canine companions, Bear and Roxy. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Charles J. and Margaret R. (nee Johnson) Connolly; maternal grandparents, Andrew C. and Charlotte E. (nee Johnson) Muth; aunts and uncles Cynthia (nee Saul) Connolly, F. DeSales (nee Connolly) McAvoy, Charlene (nee Muth) and Frederick Wallbillick.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, May 31, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, MD. The funeral mass will take place on Monday, June 1, 10:45 A.M., at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Community, 1601 W Mount Harmony Rd, Owings, MD. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Martin’s Home, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228 or via: https://littlesistersofthepoorbaltimore.org
John A. Farrell III
June 1 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
I got to know Jennifer through her ex-husband Eric as I officiate with him. Ironically, a picture came up recently with all of us at my home for a cookout we had a number of years ago. Jennifer and I also had similar careers as I was a HR executive. She was an AWESOME Mom who loved her girls. Very sad to hear about this and praying for the girls and the entire family.
Jeanne Welsh
June 1 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
David Bachrach
June 1 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
All of us at the Smithsonian are saddened to lose a dear colleague and precious soul. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
Gary D Maynard
May 28 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
Jennifer was a beautiful person, and was kind to everyone. I never heard a harsh word from her, and everyone knew of her gracious manner. I was President of the American Corrections Association 2006-2008 and Jen helped me with every issue I encountered. She was such a fine individual and we will all miss her.
Terry and Dave Fisher
May 28 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
Mary and Brian, we were heartbroken to hear of Jennifer’s passing. Jennifer was always uplifting, funny and loving. She loved life and her family. Sending our love, prayers and hugs.
Theresa (Mirabile) Merrill
May 27 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
Jen and I met at the Wooden Shoe preschool, and attended Holy Family and Pius where we grew up together. We shared countless memories full of laughter. Sleepovers, softball practices, bus rides home and going to Phillies games. We often laughed so hard that we ended up in tears. Her smile lit up a room and she brought joy to everyone she knew. My heart is broken for her family, especially her beautiful daughters and wonderful parents who always made me feel at home. Rest in peace my beautiful friend. Thank you for being such an amazing person.
Gail Agresta
May 27 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
Mary, I am heartbroken to hear the news of your well loved daughter’s passing. Jen’s life was filled with heart, laughter, and love. Though her time here was far too short, the joy she brought will continue to echo in every story and every life she touched. I hope you find moments to celebrate her life, even as you navigate the grief of her passing. Sending love and hugs to you, your family and your precious granddaughters.
Kim Hehir
May 27 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
Our hearts are with Grace, Charly and the entire Connolly family during this difficult time. We know how special of a friend Jennifer was to our CEO Sue Delegan and how much love, laughter, and friendship they shared over the years.
On behalf of everyone at Brutus Broth, we send our deepest condolences and are keeping all who knew and loved her in our thoughts and prayers
Zully Dorr
May 26 – Obituary: Jennifer Helene Connolly
Jennifer was an amazing colleague, friend, mother and human being. She leaves a deep imprint at the Smithsonian, where she worked many years and made many significant contribution in the area of human resources. Her smile lit up the room and always made you feel like you were her highest priority. We will miss her deeply and always keep her in our hearts.
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