Friday, September 19, 2014 6:19 am

GONIC - Lorna Bourque (Francoeur) Connelly, 71, died at home on Thursday. Lorna was born September 24, 1942, daughter of Margaret and Jeffrey Francoeur and was the loving wife of 49 years, to Daniel P. Connelly. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, love of family and her unwavering faith. She fought her illness with remarkable courage and grace.

A loving and devoted mother, she leaves behind three sons, Daniel Jr., his wife Heather and their daughters Chelsea, Abigael, and Claire; her son Kevin, his wife Cori and their sons Quinn, Cal and Cade; and her son Curt, his wife Lori and their daughters Gabrielle and Isabella.

She graduated from Somersworth High School, Class of 1960 and treasured many lifetime friendships started there. She worked for the Rochester School District, belonged to the Red Raiders' Mothers' Club and continued volunteering with Friends of UNH Baseball. She was an active member of St. Leo's Parish in Gonic where she inspired and enriched the lives of many confirmation students and other parishioners.

A dedicated follower of her grandchildren's school and sporting events, she and Dan traveled as far as Cooperstown, NY and Ohio, enjoying every minute of play. They made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, vacationed in Mexico, and also traveled cross-country three times, thoroughly appreciating the beauty of many National Parks.

She will be missed by her sister Gail Dubois, her brothers, Jeffrey Francoeur Jr., and his wife Patricia, Lorimer Francoeur and his wife Paula, and James Francoeur and his wife Debora, as well as many other special relatives in the Francoeur, Connelly and Lapierre families and countless friends.