Maryalyce (Connelly) Straight, 74, died Monday, May 25, 2026 at Boston Medical Center in Brighton after a brief illness. She was the wife of Richard Straight, to whom she was married for 32 years. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Alice (Gallivan) Connelly.
Growing up in Hopkinton, Maryalyce established her roots quickly. After graduating in 1969 from Hopkinton High School, she began working and met her first husband, Norm. After they were married, she moved away from Hopkinton for some time, but maintained a strong connection to her family. During that time, she lived in South Africa for three years. It was there that she welcomed the light of her life, her daughter Meaghan. When her first marriage came to a close, she returned to the only place that was her true home, Hopkinton. Within a few years of returning to Hopkinton, she met Richard and they were married a few years later.
Maryalyce’s family was most important to her. She did anything and everything to take care of those she was closest to. While her family was always at the center of her life, traveling and golfing were two of her favorite pastimes. She formed cherished friendships on the golf course. Her travels brought her to many places throughout the world. Whether it was a destination trip or cruise, she saw many places. Among her favorites were the Viking River Cruises in Europe and the many trips she and Richard took to the Half Moon in Jamaica with her dear friend Carol and Carol’s late husband Ted.
In addition to her husband, Maryalyce leaves her daughter Meaghan DeRaad and her fiancé Alexander Orr of Hopkinton and her siblings Thomas Connelly of Hopkinton and Geralyn Dragsbaek and husband Villy of Hopkinton. She also leaves her nephew Niels Dragsbaek and wife Kelley of Medway, and their children Andrew, Alyssa, Annika, and Anja. She is also survived by her stepdaughters Teri Donahue of Brookfield, Donna Marshall of Big Sandy, TN, Lisa McLaughlin of Westborough and Lynn Roberts of Grafton, along with their partners and children. Additionally, she leaves many cousins and dear friends.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 11:00 am in St. John the Evangelist Parish in Hopkinton. Burial will follow in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Hopkinton Country Club. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.