Online Obituaries

Claire L. Kelly

March 23, 1927 - June 06, 2009

Beloved Mother and Dedicated Servant of God

Claire Lucille (Gorton) Kelly, 82, died peacefully on June 6, 2009 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. A Bridgeport resident for over 53 years, Claire was born in New Rochelle, NY., March 23, 1927 to Catherine (MacKinnon) and Lesley Gorton. Claire was raised in Liberty NY., and moved to Connecticut in 1943 where she graduated from Stratford High School. She then attended St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in Bridgeport, graduating second in her class. Married in 1952 to George P. Kelly (former teacher Bridgeport/ Trumbull), Claire practiced as an RN at St. Vincent’s and also as a Visiting Nurse in Bridgeport before raising a family of 12. A devout Catholic, she was very active in religious life, leading a Charismatic prayer meeting at St. Augustine’s Church in Bridgeport for over 30 years. She gave of herself tirelessly and unselfishly to all who attended. An intelligent person, Claire was constantly sought out for her wit, wisdom and spiritual advice. A voracious reader, Claire could recite poetry having memorized many works. In the 70's and 80's, Claire had been involved in civic groups and was active in the betterment of the City of Bridgeport. She was instrumental in removing several blights in the city. Claire greatly enjoyed her grandchildren and would often babysit, never forgetting a birthday or special celebration. She met life’s challenges with resilience and humor. She had a wry wit, and a thirst for life and helping people. Claire loved to talk and was never too busy to listen to one’s problems or pray for those who needed help or guidance. She was very much a "people person" with an energetic, youthful, and always engaging personality. In the years to come, Claire will be sorely missed by her family and friends alike, but the memory of her loving nature, sense of humor, and kindness will always resonate in our hearts.
She is predeceased by her husband, George P. Kelly (d.1977), and a daughter Theresa Kelly. She is also predeceased by her father Lesley Gorton, her mother Catherine and her sister Dolores (Gorton) Watson. She is survived by twelve children: Colum Kelly, Moira Kelly, Francis Kelly, Ann Sliva(Michael), Brendan Kelly(Irene), Mary Kelly, Oona Burke(Timothy), Terence Kelly(Susan), Norah Kelly(David), Rosaleen Anderson, Julia Colbert(Patrick), and Margaret Kelly. She was a devoted grandmother to 22 grandchildren: Ian, Seamus, and Gavin Bradley; Kaitlyn and Patrick Kelly; Jacqueline, Danielle, Michael, James, and Bridgette Sliva; Theresa, Michael, Jack, Julia, and Luke Kelly; Hannah, Sean, and Rory Burke; George and Eleanor Kelly; and William and Timothy Colbert, and three great grandchildren: Aidan and Liam Bradley and Keira Sliva. Claire has two surviving brothers: Eugene Gorton of Stratford, CT and Donald Gorton of Duarte, CA. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, extended family and numerous friends. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff and doctors at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Funeral Information

Friends are invited to meet directly on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 11 AM in St Augustine’s Cathedral for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

Donations Information

Those desiring can make memorial contributions to St. Augustine Cathedral Parish, 359 Washington Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604.

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