Mrs Connelly was born in Illurpa, a place near Blackstone in the Ngaanyatjarra lands. When she was young her mother took her to Ernabella, later they moved to Angus Downs and then Mutitjulu.
Her father passed away in Alintjarra. She has a lot of family in Warakurna and in Blackstone. Her father's country is Blackstone. She has 6 children, 4 boys and 2 girls.
Mrs Connelly painted for many years, passing on her knowledge and skills down to her daughters, Dianne and Marlene, who now paint for Kaltukatjara Art.