LYNN — More than 50 years after graduating together in 1975, a close-knit group of high school friends is proving the strength of lifelong bonds — this time by rallying around former Union Hospital Nurse Carol Connolly.

Jim Sweeney and Jody Watts have known Carol Connolly’s sister, Jan, for more than 50 years, having attended high school together in Swampscott. The bond they share has endured for decades, remaining strong even after Jan Connolly relocated to Ireland.

A former Lynn Public Schools Teacher, Jan Connolly, worked in the city’s schools from 1987 to 1994, following in the footsteps of her father, John “Chopper” Connolly, a teacher and member of Lynn Classical High School’s football coaching staff.

In 1994, Jan Connolly left the North Shore and moved to Ireland with her partner. But after Carol Connolly fell at her home in Swampscott in 2024, which left her paralyzed from the chest down, Jan Connolly returned to manage her care. Now, Carol Connolly will be relocated to Ireland to live with her sister.

Jan Connolly said she is glad she has always been able to maintain contact with the friends she made while living in Swampscott.

She said she would not be able to manage Carol Connolly’s care and her move to Ireland without their support.

To assist with moving Carol Connolly and finalizing the setup for in-home care, Sweeney and Watts have created a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $15,000.

Currently, the GoFundMe page has a goal of $5,000, with $4,150 already raised. However, Watts said more is needed to cover the costs.

Carol Connolly said, “Everyone has been so supportive. I love everyone in Swampscott. I will always consider myself from Swampscott.”

Carol Connolly is a 1967 graduate of Swampscott High School. She and Jan’s mother, Phyllis, were the longtime nurses for the schools in Swampscott.

Sweeney said he has seen the exceptional care provided by Carol Connolly at Union Hospital and believes her care has been widespread.

“She’s such a caring person, and our thought is that many people might want to help her in her hour of need when she really needs some care,” he said.

Watts said while fundraising for the Connolly family, she has seen the community recognize and support one of their own, particularly in Swampscott.

“We’re so fortunate, we live in a community, not just a city, not just a town. With this GoFundMe, we’ve had people come and say, ‘Oh, my mother was friends with Phyllis,’ their mom, and so they’ve made a donation. Swampscott is home. Jan was in Ireland, but Swampscott will always be home,” Watts said.

To donate to the GoFundMe supporting the Connolly sisters, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-carol-jan-connollys-journey