Obituary of Genevia L Connolly

Genevia L "Joy" Connolly, age 90, passed away peacefully, in Gilbert Arizona at the home of her son, Douglas Martineau, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Joy was born on February 15, 1930 in Mesa Arizona to Joseph Smith Anderson and Mettie Josephine Brewer. She was the 3rd of 3 children. She was preceded in death by her eternal companion Dewain A. Connolly, her sister Margie Gibson, her brother Joe A. Anderson, her son Roy A. Connolly, daughter in law Kathy Connolly, son in law Ronald Fenn, granddaughter Amanda Poole, and great granddaughter Charlotte Palmer. Dewain and Joy had 8 children between them-Monte Martineau(Rhonda), Wain(Kathy) Connolly, Kathleen Robinson (Noel), Roy Connolly (Helen), Gail Martineau (Lenore), Catherine Fenn(Ronald), Douglas Martineau (Leann), and Leslie Martineau (Pamela). They had 44 grandchildren, 89 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Joy attended and graduated from Mesa High school in Mesa AZ in 1947. She then attended cosmetology school in Phoenix and went on to become an instructor at Rose Mar College of Beauty from 1960-1970. She owned and operated Glamorous Lady Coiffures hair salon. She married Duane Martineau in 1948 and they had five children. They later divorced and she then married Dewain A. Connolly in 1963. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They made their home in Mesa Arizona, where they raised their family. Prior to Dewains passing in 2004-they enjoyed traveling, camping and spending time with family as much as possible. Joy served in many capacities in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including supporting Dewain while he served as bishop of the 49th Ward in Mesa. Her most loved calling was serving as a service missionary in the family history center in Mesa AZ. She served there for 25 years from 1970-1995. Right up until a few days before her passing, she was studying and learning about the history and genealogy of her family ancestors. She was extremely talented and her family, friends and associates reaped the benefits of her amazing talents. She was an accomplished seamstress, artist, florist, genealogist, party planner, wedding caterer, cook, hairdresser/cosmetologist, and crafter to list a few. She loved reading and learning and continued pursuing those hobbies her entire life. She loved her family and particularly loved the many grandchildren she had. She very much enjoyed visiting with them and learning about their accomplishments and goals. She loved the Lord and loved the feeling of peace that faith in God brought to her life.