Roberta Connelly Eli

In loving memory of Roberta (Robbi) Janet Eli (Connelly) at age 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 24th, 2023.

Robbi was born on September 5th, 1934 to Eliza Jane Morrison and Robert John Connelly in South Porcupine, in northern Ontario Canada. She grew up in the small gold mining town of Dome X and graduated from South Porcupine High School in 1952. She continued her education and received her Registered Nursing degree from Hamilton General Hospital in 1955. Her first job as a nurse was a temporary work assignment for the Santa Fe Coast Lines Hospital in Los Angeles. Robbi met a young physician, Don T. Eli, M.D., at Santa Fe Hospital and were married in 1958. Together, they had five children who were all raised in Whittier.
Robbi was married to Don for 57 years and they are now reunited together with their youngest son, Gregory. She is predeceased by her sisters Kathleen (Rodney), Mary (George), Florence (Bob), brother and sister-in-law Jack (Margaret), Michael and Janet Crane. She is survived by her sister Margaret and brother James (Liisa). Left to honor her memory are her children Stevin (Diana), James (Amalia), Michael (Savanna), and John (Jennifer), and her grandchildren Katie, Emily, Blake, Isabel, and Sylvia. Robbi will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.

While raising her five boys, she took a step back from nursing allowing her to fully participate in an endless number of their academic, sporting and social activities. At this time, she was also able to put focus on numerous charitable groups and organizations.
Robbi had a passion for gardening and was known for sharing her amazing roses with so many. She loved her family ski trips as well as many summers spent with friends and family at Lake Mead and Mojave. Hawaii held a special place in her heart, as she and Don shared many trips early in marriage and again in the years of retirement.
Robbi returned to nursing in the late 80s and joined Don in private practice until they finished their careers together at Bright Medical Group in 1999. Robbi was a member of Granada Heights Friends Church for 43 years and in her retirement, volunteered faithfully in the church office.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Celebration of life service for Robbi will be held at Granada Heights Friends Church in La Mirada, CA on Friday, Feb 10, 2023 at 12:00 pm. Lunch and reception to follow in Joy Hall.