Claudia “Dee” (Bird) Connelly, 68, of Bristol, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Dee was born on Aug. 30, 1953, in Bristol and was a daughter of the late Robert and Grace Bird. A lifelong Bristol resident, she graduated from Bristol Central High School. She worked at her family’s business, the Bristol Nurseries before training to become a nurse. She was a well-loved LPN at Walnut Hill, Brightview of Avon, and at Ingraham Manor from where she retired.

Dee is survived by three children: Tracey Brayton, Jaime LaChapelle and husband, Robert, and Brandon Bird, all of Bristol; her partner of 34 years: Michael Russo; her siblings: Jeffrey Bird of Bristol and Cynthia Bird of Ivoryton; her beloved grandson: Destin Brayton with whom she shared a very close bond, and nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13, between 2 and 4 p.m. at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol.

Please visit Dee’s memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.