Barbara A. (Perriello) Connelly, 78, of Braintree, died peacefully in her home October 16, 2021, after a long illness.

Barbara leaves behind her devoted husband of 53 years, Thomas G. Connelly of Braintree, a sister, Mary Keating of South Dartmouth; and a brother, Alex Perriello III and his wife Jerri Lynn of Carlsbad, CA. She was the sister-in-law of Susan C. Finn and partner Richard Fahey of Braintree and Peter Connelly and his wife Clare of Watertown.

Barbara was the aunt of Moya Connelly of New York City, Peter Connelly and his wife Ann of Winchester and the late David Hardy. She was the daughter of the late Alexander Jr. and Barbara (Feeney) Perriello.

Barbara was born in Milton and lived there until her marriage. She graduated from the former Jeanne D’Arc Academy and attended Catherine Laboure School of Nursing in Dorchester. For more than 30 years, she managed the extended benefits division of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Boston and more recently managed the office of a psychiatric practice in Weymouth.

She loved to travel and enjoyed frequent trips to Aruba earlier in life. She loved going to the beach and for many years, she and her husband also had a home in Punta Gorda, FL. For several years, she also spent time in the summer living on a pond in Mashpee, Cape Cod.

Barbara was an animal lover of the first order and owned dogs for almost all of her life. She was the proud owner of two Akita dogs that were adopted from an Akita rescue program, and at the time of her death she had a pet cat named Oliver.

There will be a graveside service Thursday October 21 at 10:00 am in Milton Cemetery, 211 Centre Street, Milton. Please meet at the main entrance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Conquer Myasthenia Gravis, 275 No. York St, Suite 201, Elmhurst IL 60126 or online at www.myastheniagravis.org