Stephen James Connolly

Stephen Connolly, 17, passed away peacefully on July 20. Stephen was born on May 27, 1992, in Portland Oregon.

Stephen loved the camaraderie of his Sisters High School Outlaws teammates and the challenges of his favorite sports: lacrosse and football. In fact, he was ready for just about any outdoor adventure or sport such as snowboarding, mountain biking and camping. He loved sitting around the campfire with family and friends.

Stephen will be remembered for his mischievous smile, great sense of humor and his love of family. He loved a good laugh, hanging with his friends, strawberries and cherries, his dog Kate, riding Hayden's ponies, annoying his brother and sister, and Mary Kay's prime rib dinners.

One of Stephen's favorite places was the Oregon Coast. He loved walking on the beach with his mom where they would gather sea glass and talk.

Stephen loved Sisters. When his parents announced they were moving the family to Montana to relocate for his dad's work, Stephen said he wanted to stay. It's comforting to know Stephen, when laid to rest, will find peace here in Sisters.

Stephen is survived by his parents Kevin and Nancy Connolly, his brother John, sister Meghan and a very close extended family. They loved him dearly, and will miss Stephen, his bad jokes, and his incessant appetite for food and life itself.

The Rosary, for family, invited guests and members of the church, will be held at St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church in Sisters on Wednesday, July 22 at 7 p.m. On Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m., mass will be held at St. Edward's for family, invited guests and members of the church. In addition, on Thursday, a Central Oregon Community Celebration of Life will be held at Sisters High School at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire and Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 1509, Sisters, OR 97759 or the Sisters High School Lacrosse Team, 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters, OR 97759.