Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School’s Mary Connellan remembered for ‘sparking intelligence’

A teacher, librarian and archivist who dedicated more than 30 years of her life to a leading girls’ school has been remembered for her “sparkling intelligence”.

Mary Connellan had a distinguished 30-year career at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, where she was a teacher, a librarian and an archivist. Picture: Facebook

A teacher, librarian and archivist at a leading girls’ school has been remembered as a “wise and generous spirit” following her death last week.

Mary Connellan, 76, died last Friday after a 30-year distinguished career at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School.

Ms Connellan began her career at Ivanhoe Girls’ in 1972 as a maths and science teacher, before she was promoted to science co-ordinator in 1973.

She returned to the school in 1994 as the head of library, where she remained for 15 years.

In a letter sent to the school community, principal Narelle Umbers said Ms Connellan was “instrumental” in developing the school’s information literacy skills program.

“In this role, she excelled in creating the true heart of the school — not once, but twice,” Ms Umbers said.

“First, in the Doris Walker Centre, and later, as she planned the library in the Cooerwull Centre, where her vision was instrumental in providing a wonderful facility to support the learning of current and future students.”

After retiring from her library role, Ms Connellan became the school’s archivist, where she remained until 2021.

Mary Connellan had a “generous spirit”.

Ms Umbers said she developed the archives into a “wonderful collection of textiles, photographs and memorabilia that protects and enhances the school’s history so it can be enjoyed for generations to come”.

“Mary had an abiding love for the school and a profound knowledge for its history and community.

“She developed friendships with her colleagues that spanned decades.”

Ms Connellan was awarded the Cooerwull Service Award in 2019 for 30 years service to the school.

Ms Umbers remembered her late colleague for her “wise and generous spirit, sparkling intelligence and wonderful sense of humour” and said she was a joy to work with.

“She will be very sadly missed,” Ms Umbers said.

Ms Connellan was survived by her husband Geoff, son Duncan, daughter Jacqueline and granddaughters Georgia, Sienna and Madeleine.

A funeral will be held for Ms Connellan on Friday June 6 at 12pm in Warrandyte.