Doris Kelsey

KELSEY, DORIS (GRIFFIN) Doris (Griffin) Kelsey passed from this life on Friday, December 6, 2013. She was bom in Clinton on September 4, 1918, the daughter of the late W. Raymond and Jennie (Watrous) Griffin, and lived in the town of Clinton her entire life, a circumstance for which she was continually proud and grateful. Although a “local gal” she had a variety of experiences including that of an early telephone operator, the switchboard being located in a private home on Pearl Street. During the 1950’s and 60’s she was the local correspondent for the Middletown Press, posting daily columns concerning people and events in Clinton. In 1952, she became the secretary of the Congregational Church, a position she held until her retirement in 1984. As an active church member, as well as secretary, she served the church in many capacities and, following her retirement, served as financial secretary of the church for another 10 years. Doris was active in the Clinton Cemetery Association serving as secretary for 30 years and assistant treasurer for 25 of those years. After she stepped down from active participation, she remained as consultant and member of the Executive Board of the Association. She participated in civic groups including the Clinton Historical Society and the Priscilla Club, serving as secretary to both organizations. In 2003, she was appointed Town Historian by the Board of Selectmen, a position she held with pride and an awareness of its importance to the continuity of exploring and cataloging the long history of the Town. Doris was predeceased by her husband Merton E. Kelsey who died in 1979, and her son Henry M. Kelsey in 2010. She is survived by her son Paul E. Kelsey of Oakland, California, and his daughter Cheyenne of California, also by her three sisters, Naomi Foley of Clinton, Betty Lou Meyer of Higganum, and Barbara Louise Bronke of Chula Vista, California, a daughter-in-law Lucia Kelsey, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Emily, Winfred, Harry, Charles, Carl and Roger. Calling Hours will be held at Swan Funeral Home, 80 E. Main St., Clinton from 5-7pm on Friday, December 13th. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday December 14th at 2pm in the United Church of Christ Congregational, Main St., Clinton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the United Church of Christ Congregational.