Catherine Louise "Kitty" Kelley

1930 - 2024

East Lyme - Catherine Louise "Kitty" Kelley peacefully passed away into eternal rest June 15, 2024, surrounded by loving family members. She lived a remarkable life of 93 plus years, much of it as a beloved sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.

Catherine is preceded in death by her husband John; and sister Margaret Wood, and is survived by her children, Michael Kelley and his partner Tricia Tobin of Warren, Vt., John Kelley Jr. of Pawcatuck, Christopher Kelley and his partner Ruth Marti of East Lyme, Karen Kelley of East Lyme; and grandchildren, Zoe and Julia Kahl and John, Kara and Maxwell (Rachel) Kelley. She also leaves behind her loving sister Joanne Dowling of Naugatuck.

Catherine was born in Newark, N.J., Sept. 15, 1930, to the late Janet and Michael Chifriller. She attended Newark State Teachers College and earned a degree in education enabling her to secure a position as an elementary school teacher in the Oxford and East Lyme public school systems in Connecticut. Catherine's passion for teaching and her love for children truly shone through in her work. She left an indelible mark on those she taught, inspiring and impacting their lives.

Catherine's devotion to her family and faith was a central theme in her life story. She married John Joseph "J.J." Kelley in Seymour in 1956, and together they built a life in East Lyme, sharing 65 years of companionship and raising their family. While supporting her husband John advance his professional career at General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, Catherine undertook the most important role of homemaker and stay-at-home mom for children, Michael, John, Christopher, and Karen. Catherine's relationship with her children was deeply cherished. As a devoted mother, she played an active role in their lives, supporting their education and teaching valuable life lessons. Her capable and nurturing presence and unwavering love created a strong bond and made her the heart of the Kelley household.

Catherine was a lover of life and people. The sign in her kitchen, "Sit Long, Talk Much," epitomized her approach to life. She always had time for a lighthearted chat with friends over a cup of coffee or an expertly prepared plate of food and desserts. She valued the strong and lasting relationships she developed over the years with neighbors and friends and especially delighted in annual summer getaways to Cape Cod with her sisters. Catherine's infectious smile and laugh created a joyful atmosphere and made all feel welcome and relaxed in each other's company.

Catherine was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Matthias Church in East Lyme. Although health related issues limited her ability to regularly attend mass in recent years, she continually prayed and found ways to grow her faith and remain close to the Lord. Known as a loyal friend and go-to "prayer warrior," family and close acquaintances would often lean on Catherine during times of difficulty for words of encouragement or to ask her to support them in prayer. Keeping true to her Christian faith, she was always eager to help others and lift their spirits wherever possible.

Her family wishes to acknowledge and give thanks to the many people who cared for and greatly enhanced Catherine's quality of life in her senior years, including her personal care physician and the health management professionals at Atria Crossroads and Bayview Health Care. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful care, patience, and kindness extended to Catherine during her time spent at both facilities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at St. Matthias Church, 317 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme. Burial will follow at East Lyme Cemetery. Calling hours will be held privately with family. Online condolences may be shared with Catherine's family at www.neilanfuneralhome.com. To honor Catherine's memory, donations may be made in her name to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.