Colleen R. (Reed) Kelly

Colleen Kelly Obituary

February 24, 1934 - December 13, 2025

Colleen R. Kelly, 91 of Naugatuck passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2025. Colleen was the widow of James C. Kelly. Born February 24, 1934 in Waterbury, CT, she was the daughter of the late William and Eileen (Costello) Reed.

Colleen was a graduate of Crosby High School and Saint Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing and had a long career as a registered nurse. She came from a family with a strong passion for music and she played the piano when she was young. Back in the day, she and her brother Bill would perform ragtime together. But if it was dancing, she preferred it to be polka. She liked to sew, especially when her kids were young, and often made their clothes for play or school from scratch. She even sewed her daughter’s graduation dress. Colleen’s house was always overloaded with animals, mostly dogs and cats, but also bunnies, hamsters, fish, ducks, a chicken and even a goat named Charlie. More often than not, the animals were orphaned in some way and ended up at her door. She always found room for them. One of the highlights through the years was the annual Bethlehem Fair. The whole family participated in the festivities, entering their prized animals and vegetables, and Colleen was always in the thick of things helping the family shine. She loved decorating her Christmas tree and was especially partial to silver tinsel. As a child, she and her famous tree decorating father would go around helping the neighbors put the finishing touches on their Christmas trees. She also enjoyed gardening and camping, spending many years visiting campgrounds and National Parks from Alaska to Florida with her husband, sometimes travelling in a caravan with fellow camping enthusiasts. Bryce Canyon National Park was a particular favorite of hers.

Colleen leaves behind her children, Colleen of Watertown, Jim (Debbie) of NC, Tim (Minnie) of Naugatuck, and Tara (Bob) of CO, as well as her grandchildren Jillian, Jake, Adra, and Shawn. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and cousins, including her niece Eileen with whom she had an especially close relationship. She is also predeceased by her brother Bill and sister June.

All services are private and at the convenience of the family. Colleen’s family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Hartford HealthCare for their compassionate care during her last days. The family would also like to thank all of Colleen’s wonderful neighbors who were always there for her.

Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to care for Colleen’s arrangements and family during this difficult time.

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