Beatrice Connolly (Trixie Hardy), 94, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on the 23 of December 2016 at the Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario. Beloved wife of 41 years to the late Patrick Gerard Connolly, loving mother of Patricia B. Smallwood (William) Indiana, Mark H. Connolly (Lisette Bergeron) Ottawa, Janella Murillo Nevada, Christine Melvin (late Stanley) Nevada, Shelagh Connolly (Lenford Hatcher) Virginia, Robert Connolly (Renee) Sault Ste. Marie, brother Thomas Mulhinch (Joan) Elliot Lake, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Predeceased by her son David (Marcella) Sault Ste. Marie and her sister Ella Lowe, York, England, Beatrice (Trixie) was born on the 3rd of December 1922 in Middlesbrough, England to Thomas Thomson Mulhinch and Jane Hunter Metcalfe former Vaudeville performers.
Although her father died when Trixie was only 3 months old, her mother Jean Hardy, continued to make a living as a dancer. Trixie started dance lessons at the age of 2 years. At age 12 as a juvenile dancer, she auditioned for pantomime “Dick Whittington and his Cat” and toured England with the troupe. Trixie continued to thrive as a Professional Dancer alongside her sister Ella Hardy throughout the U.K.
Trixie (Beatrice) married Patrick Connolly in 1942 in Middlesbrough England and they immigrated to Canada and settled in Sault Ste. Marie in 1948 where she opened the Trixie Hardy Dance School and for over 55 years taught thousands of children and adults at her studio. Trixie (Beatrice) was a Member and Examiner of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, Honorary Member of Dance Masters of America, and Retired Member of Canadian Dance Teachers and a Founding Member of the Musical Comedy Guild.
Trixie enjoyed teaching, directing theatre for several of the local theatre organisations, Bon Soo Pageants, and many other events throughout both Sault Ontario and Soo. Michigan. Trixie’s recognitions and awards were numerous: Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit Recipient, City of Sault Ste. Marie Recognizes May 28th as Trixie Hardy Day, Walk of Fame Award Honouree, Ministry of Citizenship Volunteer Award, Cultural Advisory Board Community Recognition Award and Certificate of Achievement, City of Middlesbrough Recognition of Service during War (Air Raid Warden). Trixie was an avid reader and enjoyed her crosswords.
Beatrice will be fondly remembered by her children, brother, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many of her former students.
Friends are invited to attend the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 2 – 4 pm and 7 – 9 pm. Funeral service to be held at St. Luke’s Cathedral on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11 am. The Very Rev. James McShane officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ARCH. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com