Grand Marshal Mystic Irish Parade Foundation

2011 Grand Marshal, Elizabeth Connors Martinelli

The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation is proud to announce its selection for the parade's 2011 Grand Marshal! In its history, The Mystic Irish Parade has bestowed this honor on some of the areas most distinguished individuals. Individuals who contribute tirelessly and without fanfare to the community in which they live. This year is no exception and we are thrilled to announce that Elizabeth Connors Martinelli has been selected as the 2011 Grand Marshal!

There are few Mystic treasures as well-loved and admired as Elizabeth Connors Martinelli. A life long resident and strong force in our community, Elizabeth's involvement and energy have benefited numerous charitable and civic organizations. Her work is so far reaching, that she and her husband, William Martinelli, were both honored with the distinction of Connecticut Treasures by Governor Jodi Rell in 2000.

Elizabeth Martinelli was born Elizabeth Mary Connors on July 31, 1930 at her family's home at 15 Oak Street in Stonington. She was the middle child of seven children born to Francis J. Connors and Elizabeth Fallon Connors.

Her father owned and operated Connor's Pharmacy in the Stonington Borough. He also served as Judge and Prosecutor of the Stonington Town Court, Burgess to the town, and as a State Representative. Her mother was born in County Westmeath, Ireland and immigrated to the United States in 1924 by way of Ellis Island.

Elizabeth attended the Stonington Borough School through the eighth grade, then attended Stonington High School (presently the Pawcatuck Middle School), graduating in 1948.

Elizabeth married William Martinelli on July 13, 1957 and they made their home at 11 Golden Road in Mystic where they raised four children. Liz and Bill operated a Medical Equipment program. They maintained and made a variety of medical equipment available to anyone who needed to use it, free of charge. It was this work that earned them the recognition of Connecticut Treasures by the Governor, but their contributions to the community far exceed this!

Liz is a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Post 3263 of Mystic, and is Chairwoman of its Annual Poppy Drive. She has been the President and Secretary of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 55 for the past 50 years. For over 25 years, Liz has volunteered at local Red Cross Blood Drives, and she collects eyeglasses for the Mystic Lions Club. Liz is also a member of the Democratic Town Committee.

She is a communicant of Saint Patrick's Church, where she is a member of the Daughters of Isabella and a Eucharistic Minister to the Sick at Apple Rehabilitation Center in Mystic. In her spare time, Elizabeth volunteers at the Father Murphy Council 1943 of the Knights of Columbus.

Aside from being named a Connecticut Treasure, Liz received the Paul Harris Fellow Award for Outstanding Community Service from the Rotary Club of the Soningtons in

2009, was named Member of the Year of the American Legion Auxiliary of Connecticut, and received the Knights of Columbus Family of the Year award in 1986.

In 2005, Liz took a trip to Ireland, traveling from Dublin to Belfast on a tour. She went on to see her mother's family home in County Westmeath, Ireland and visited with relatives there. Liz is proud of her Irish heritage and this trip was a very special experience for her.

Elizabeth Connors Martinelli embodies all that the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation stands for: community involvement, charity, and the celebration of our Irish heritage. So, please join us in honoring Elizabeth Connors Martinelli as the 2011 Mystic Irish Parade's Grand Marshal, she is a true Mystic treasure!

This years Grand Marshal will be honored at our 8th annual Naturally Irish Dinner on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Mystic Hilton at 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at Puritan and Genesta or by calling 860-536-3537. All are welcome for a night of celebration in which Elizabeth Connors Martinelli will be presented with the distinction of Grand Marshall of the 2011 Mystic Irish Parade. Elizabeth will lead the Parade at 1 pm on Sunday, March 20, 2011 from the Mystic Seaport and continue through downtown Mystic. With over 100 units and 1600 marchers this will be a special for the Mystic community and the surrounding areas!

Past Grand Marshals

2010 Grand Marshal Jessica Morrissey	2009 Grand Marshal Edward Murphy	2008 Grand Marshal John Hewes	2007 Grand Marshal John Kelley

2006 Grand Marshal Maggie Taber	2005 Grand Marshal James O'Boyle	2004 Grand Marshal John Lowe