Obituary of Catherine M. Kelly

Catherine Marie Kelly, 84, of Trumbull, CT, passed away on February 6, 2021 in Bridgeport Hospital. Her husband Brian Kelly, her high school sweetheart, was by her side. Cathy was born on February 8, 1936 in Jersey City, New Jersey to John and Catherine Sardelich. Naturally friendly and kind, she was President of her class at Dumont High, and graduated in 1958 from William Patterson University in Patterson, NJ where she studied teaching. She was a grammar school teacher for several years until she left to raise her own family.

A devoted wife and mother, Cathy also gave generously to the community. She had many hobbies and passions, including volunteering her time as a band parent for both the Madison Junior High School band and the Trumbull High School marching band, which she accompanied on many trips around the United States in the 1970s and 80s. Fondly known as "mom" to the students, she was awarded a plaque for 13 years of outstanding service to the Trumbull High School band.

Cathy also took great joy in organizing her own high school reunions, bringing her former classmates together for a weekend of festivities every five years over the course of six decades, from 1953 to 2013. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Junior Women's Club. Cathy also loved cooking, reading, writing, bridge, music, television, and cinema, often sharing her views on what she considered the best series and top films in letters to friends and family.

In addition to living in Switzerland with their children for three years, Cathy and Brian enjoyed many years of travel later in life, visiting exotic locations such as China, Egypt, Europe, Alaska, and Russia on cruises and tours. 

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Brian Kelly of Trumbull, CT, their children Mary Aileen Kelly, Linda Kelly, Brian Kelly and Kathleen Friedler, their son-in-law Joe Friedler, and six grandchildren, Gwyneth, Alexander, John, Zachary, Madeline, and Devin. She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Kilpatrick and preceded in death by her brother John Sardelich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 11, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 4700 Madison Ave, Trumbull, social distancing is expected and masks must be worn. Friends and Family may also view the service through their livestream at Christthekingtrumbull.org. Interment will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Cathy's name to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492. www.americanheart.org. Arrangements entrusted to Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull.