Barbara Kennedy Killen

6/23/1929 - 6/3/2023

Barbara Kennedy Killen, of Wallingford, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 3, 2023. She was the loving wife of the late Albert E. "Bert" Killen, Jr. Barbara was born in Meriden, June 23, 1929. She was a daughter of the late Francis P. and Beatrice (Degnan) Kennedy, and her stepfather, Eugene Schlauder. She remained proud of her Irish heritage throughout her long life. Just shy of 70 years ago, Barbara and Bert were married, beginning a partnership that they kept strong, and kept them strong, throughout the inevitable ups and downs of the years to follow. As Bert was always the first to admit, his many years of public service were only made possible with Barbara's support, her wise advice and her tireless efforts both in front of and behind the scenes. At the same time, Barbara was engaged in her own public service as a member of the Democratic Town Committee and monitor of absentee ballots for many years, as well as her involvement in various Holy Trinity Church and School events. She also worked at the same location for approximately 50 years, first at Francesconi's Market and then at Rosa's Deli, where she was always treated with great kindness and consideration. Through all of this, Barbara never missed a beat in providing a loving, encouraging and laugh-filled home life, not only for her five children but also the numerous town characters on Colony Street who would often drop by to share in what now are priceless memories of time well-spent. In more recent years, Barbara's life remained centered around her family. To her, that included not only her many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and crazy cousins, but her neighbors, her Rosa's Deli family, her Church family and close friends, too numerous to list, who often checked in on her. She also was the beneficiary of great attention and affection from a number of caretakers who made her final years as comfortable as possible. What little time was not spent with family and friends was spent glued to the set watching UCONN basketball games. Barbara is survived by her daughter, three sons, and their spouses, Barbara K. and Mark A. Anton of Old Saybrook, Albert Killen-Harvey and Douglas Braun-Harvey of San Diego, CA, Attorney James A. and Doreen S. Killen of Wallingford and Daniel F. Killen and Lyvia Miranda of Wallingford; her 11 grandchildren, Tiffany (Chris) Marsh, Andrea Anton, Kevin Anton, Casey (Katie Grava) Anton, Matthew (Jenna) Killen, Thomas Killen, Michael Killen, Alexander "Py"(Catherine) Killen, Zachary Killen, Jordan Killen and Piper Killen; her great-grandchildren, Ellie, Chase, Henry and Julian; her sisters-in-law, Ann K. DuPlessis and Theda D. Killen; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She also is survived by her lifelong friend, Josie Geremia, whose unfailing devotion helped Barbara celebrate the good times and weather the bad times over so many years. Barbara was predeceased by her son, Thomas A. Killen; her sister, Eileen K. Brenton; and her niece, Eileen "Rusty" Brenton. Her family will receive relatives and friends in the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext., on Friday, June 9th from 4 to 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:30 am directly at Most Holy Trinity Church. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. Gifts in her memory may be sent to The Sisters' Project, P.O. Box 1643, Wallingford, CT 06492. www.wallingfordfh.com