Obituary: Karen E. Kelley, 89, of Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT - (From Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home) Karen E. Kelley, 89, resident of Elim Park in Cheshire, CT, entered into Eternal Peace on May 22, 2021 surrounded by the love and support of her family.

Born in New Haven on April 6, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Alice (Ferguson) Ekblade.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Warren T. Kelley, Jr., their two sons, one daughter and their spouses; Thomas P. Kelley and Deb Kelley of West Hartford, Peter J. Kelley and Elise Kelley of Branford, and Janet K. Hurd and Phil Hurd of Lexington, MA, nine grandchildren and their spouses; Ryan and Julie Kelley, Austin Kelley, Kate and Tobin Boltz, Erin and Martin Emerson, Ashley and Sean Flynn, Katelyn and Raymond Beaulac, and Audrey, Grace and Anne Hurd, four great-grandchildren; Alice, Henry and Thomas Kelley and Charles Flynn, and her brother and his spouse; Herbert and Gail Ekblade.

She was predeceased by her brother Carl Ekblade.

Karen attended Rhode Island School of Design, after which she married the love of her life and settled in Branford, CT to raise their family. In retirement, a move to Cape Cod provided many happy family memories.

Karen was a gifted artist whose passions also included reading, spending time at the ocean, music, and flowers.

She passed each of these qualities on to her children and grandchildren, which they will always treasure. Her family would especially like to thank Hanna, Helen, Inga, and Yelena for being by their Mom’s side with unending love and support.

Karen’s burial and a celebration of life will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Branford Land Trust at www.branfordlandtrust.org, or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home.