WILTON—Loretta Kelly McCarthy, of Wilton, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on June 8, 2017 at the age of 86. Kelly gave the world 6 beloved children: Laurie, Maureen, Kathleen, Christeen, Patrick and Michael, 14 treasured grandchildren and 2 great–grandchildren. She leaves behind a devoted sister, Kathy O’Neil. She was welcomed into heaven by her husband, Edward Dean McCarthy, her son, Michael, her parents, Edward and Margaret O’Konski and her brother Edward O’Konski.
Kelly graduated from Catholic University and later continued her education, receiving two Master’s Degrees. Kelly was lucky to have found a career that she was passionate about and spent almost 40 years as a Director of Religious Education in parishes throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport. She served many years as DRE at St. Cecelia Parish in Stamford. Kelly loved working with children, educating them and their families about the love of God. She was widely known for her life-changing Confirmation workshop “Kiss a Frog”.
On the days when she wasn’t working you may have found her sitting in the sun, dabbling in the stock market, writing, spending time with her family or enjoying a casino getaway. She sang often, appreciated nature and loved her Green Bay Packers. When reflecting on her life, know that she would encourage us all to embrace family, take time to Kiss a Frog, fully rely on God and, most of all, to make yourself a happy day.
Friends and family celebrated her life on Wednesday, June 14th at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk CT. Her memorial mass was held at St. Cecilia’s Church in Stamford CT on Thursday June 15.