Jean Connolly Obituary

Connolly, Jean
QUAKER SPRINGS - Jean (Polansky) Connolly passed away early Saturday morning, October 18, 2025, after a long illness. Jean was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), in the spring of 2020. She faced every stage of her illness with courage and grace, fighting bravely through each challenge. When swallowing became too difficult, she was offered a feeding tube but declined, choosing to go out on her own terms.
Jean was the daughter of Alec and Julia (Politylo) Polansky. She was born and raised in Herkimer, N.Y., attended Herkimer schools, and graduated from HCCC with an associate degree before earning her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the Albany College of Pharmacy.
Jean met her future husband, Mark, while working at GE Silicones in Waterford, N.Y. They married in June 1993, and became lifelong soulmates, sharing countless adventures together. Every July, they could be found at their favorite spot, the Victorian Lace Inn in Cape May, N.J. They also loved exploring the Southwest, traveling to places such as Carlsbad, Santa Fe, and Taos, N.M., Sedona and Flagstaff, Ariz., and many parts of Southern California. Mark even persuaded Jean to join him on winter ski trips to Colorado, Vermont, Utah, and Alberta. While she wasn't a skier, Jean had a remarkable talent for finding the best antique, or "junk" stores wherever they went. Closer to home, they cherished weekend getaways, leaf-peeping in Stowe, or enjoying wine trail adventures around Keuka Lake.
In addition to her professional career and many interests, Jean was a longtime volunteer with Albany Therapeutic Riding, and a passionate breeder and owner of Thoroughbred racehorses. She was a licensed member of NYRA, NYTB, and NYTHA. One of her proudest moments came in June 2024, when her gelding Teta's Trotter won his debut race at Saratoga Racecourse, a thrilling upset that brought her immense joy. Jean loved spending summer weekends on the Saratoga backstretch, surrounded by friends, laughter, and the sport she adored.
Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Mark; her sister, Mary; and brother-in-law, Robert; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Laura, Sarah, Kim, Kelly, and Rachel, among others, whom she loved deeply and who loved her in return. She will also be missed by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends, including Ivy Baily and Pam Germann.
Heartfelt thanks go to Jean's extraordinary caregivers,Raema, Jamie, Tee, and Starr-whose compassion and dedication made a profound difference in both Jean and Mark's lives. Jean loved them dearly, and they loved her right back.
A gathering for family and friends will be held on Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 South Main St., Mechanicville, N.Y. 12118. A Funeral Home service will be held on Friday, at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Albany Therapeutic Riding Center, 6640 Fuller Station Rd., Altamont, N.Y. 12009, or Thoroughbred Retirement Fund, 112 Spring St., Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866, in loving memory of Jean Connolly.
To leave condolences, share a message or photos you have of Jean, or for directions, please visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com