Connell was born on May 24, 1937, in Newport, Rhode Island. Her parents were Laurence Sullivan and Margaret Sullivan (née Brynes).[1] She attended St. Mary’s School and St. Catherine Academy.[2] She received a bachelors of science degree in nursing from Salve Regina College in 1958, graduating magna cum laude.[1][2] She completed graduate studies at Boston College, the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. She married Gerald Connell in 1960 and the couple had three children: Laurence, Margaret and Kathleen.[1] Connell worked as a registered nurse from 1970 to 1986.[1]
Political career
Connell was a delegate at the 1984 Democratic National Convention and the following year, she was appointed to the Democratic National Committee and became a member of the Women's Democratic Caucus.[1] She started her political career as a member of the Middletown, Rhode Island school committee, where she served for 13 years, and the Middletown town council.[citation needed] She served one term in the Rhode Island Senate in the 48th district, being elected in 1983 and serving until 1984, before running for Secretary of State.[3]
