Kerry Ann Nystrom

KERRY ANN NYSTROM, age 63, of Mystic, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 17, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London.

She was born in New London on October 2, 1962, the daughter of Joseph S. Ward of Groton and the late Regina (Laughlin) Ward, who passed away on May 8, 2024. Kerry was a graduate of Robert E. Fitch Senior High School, Class of 1981, and Eastern Connecticut State Teachers College, Class of 1985.

On April 8, 1995, Kerry was united in marriage to Michael Nystrom at Sacred Heart Church in Groton. Together they shared a life devoted to family, faith, and service to others.

Kerry dedicated 38 years to education as a first- and second-grade teacher, spending most of her career at Claude Chester School and completing her final five years at Mystic River School. She was widely known for her gentle nature, patience, and exceptional ability to connect with young children. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, as former students and families frequently expressed their appreciation for the lasting impact she had on their lives.

During her youth, Kerry spent many summers at Shennecossett Beach with family and friends, creating cherished memories filled with laughter, adventure, and youthful mischief. She often recalled those times fondly, sometimes with a smile and the playful remark that a few of those stories were ones her parents never knew.

Above all, Kerry’s greatest devotion was to her family. She was a loving mother to her daughter Erin, whose passing in 2002 at just 28 months old was a profound loss. In time, God blessed Kerry and Michael with twins, Jack and Riley, who became the center of her life and a constant source of joy and pride. Kerry’s commitment to her children guided all that she did, including her long and devoted teaching career.

Though life moved forward, Kerry never forgot Erin. She often spoke of living her life in a way that would allow God to reunite her with Erin and recently her mother Gigi, when the time came. No one ever imagined that time would come so soon.

Kerry is survived by her husband, Michael Nystrom; her father, Joseph S. Ward of Groton; her son, Jack Nystrom; her daughter, Riley Nystrom; and her brothers, Joseph S. Ward, Jr. of Austin, Texas, and Thomas Ward of New London. In addition to her daughter Erin, she was predeceased by her mother, Regina Ward.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton. Interment will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kerry’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.