Kathleen Ann "Kay" Reese

KATHLEEN ANN REESE (nee Sullivan), affectionately known as Kay, passed away on October 21, 2025 at the age of 90, in Newington, Connecticut. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth and cherished memories. Kay grew up in the Clay Hill section of Hartford in a cold water flat with seven siblings and her parents, Arthur F. Sullivan and Kathryn F. (McAloon) Sullivan, R.N. She attended St. Patrick grammar school and Holy Trinity High School, and she graduated from Hartford Public High School. Kay's mom, Kathryn, was the primary breadwinner of the family, and Kay was the second mom to her younger siblings who were deeply appreciative of her efforts. Kay had a 25-year career at Savitt Jewelers in Hartford where she was a respected member of the "P.O. M. G." Team. Her six children have fond memories of Kay setting up picnics on their porch or putting a blanket on the living room floor as she cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on a tiny charcoal grill. Later in life, Kay met William Reese, they married, and he embraced her children as his own. They enjoyed many happy years together until his passing in 2009. After retiring from Savitt Jewelers, Kay pursued a second career as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Fiscal Analysis of the State of Connecticut legislature, from which she retired in 1992. Kay and Bill moved to Dogwood Road in Wethersfield where they made many friends. After Bill's passing, Kay moved to the historic section of Old Wethersfield, where she was surrounded by dear friends and caring neighbors, most notably Jim and Kris Tracy, who were her Guardian Angels. She spent many happy hours on her front porch visiting with her friends and neighbors. Kay will be fondly remembered by her children: Denise Jones (Sylvio Sciarra) of Wethersfield, Kathy Jones of Newington, Ann Jones (Victor Delgado) of Unionville, and Gordon Jones of Brooksville, FL. Kay is also survived by her devoted brother, Neil of Stuart, FL and his wife Dori Taylor Sullivan as well as a cherished daughter-in-law, Laura Mirmino-Jones of Cromwell, devoted sisters-in-law Elaine Sullivan of Glastonbury, Elaine Sullivan of Loris, SC and Sharon DeFato of SC as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins. Anne McAloon, a devoted cousin, was a huge support and friend to Kay in her declining years. Kay was predeceased by her beloved sons Ronald Jones and Richard Jones, her daughter-in-law Tess Jones of Brooksville, FL, as well as her siblings, Eugene Sullivan, Francis Sullivan, Maureen Sullivan, Bernie Sullivan, all of Connecticut, Sheila Sullivan Fagon of Vermont, and Timothy Sullivan of Loris, SC. Kay and Bill were avid power boaters, and they spent many happy days on the waters of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. Kay was a huge fan of UCONN Basketball, especially UCONN Women's Basketball. She was an avid reader and showed great spunk and good humor in the face of adversity. Her sharp Irish wit never dulled, and her Irish eyes could light up a room. Kay's secret to a happy life as told by her is Patience, a Sense of Humor, and a Glass of Wine. Those who loved her made every effort to ensure that she had a "clinically approved, therapeutic glass of wine" as she reached the end of each day. May She Rest in Peace with the Angels after a Life Well Lived. The family is grateful for the exceptional care that Kay received at Jefferson House in Newington during her final months. Memorial donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation at http://www.parkingson.org. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home at 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A celebration honoring Kay's life will be held in the funeral home at 5:30 pm. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen "Kay" Ann, please visit our floral store.