Ellen Kelleher Lee , October 21, 1930 — January 04, 2019

OBITUARY Ellen Kelleher Lee October 21, 1930 – January 4, 2019 Ellen Kelleher Lee, 88, of Old Saybrook, formerly of Hartford and Enfield, died on January 4th, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Hartford, daughter of Richard Kelleher and Julia (Bogacz) Kelleher, she graduated from Weaver High School, Class of 1948. She married her high school sweetheart, Thomas J. Lee Jr., and together started what would become the most meaningful part of her life, her family.

Ellen loved the beach, loved her town of Old Saybrook and got special joy from spending summers at Old Lyme Shores with the Wardwells and the Goldens. She also enjoyed many awesome trips to Ireland with her children and grandchildren, and lifelong friend Jerry Gorman. She was a lover of dogs, particularly golden retrievers, and all of nature’s creatures (except spiders!

). Ellen also was a very talented artisan/craftsman (photography, painting, basket making, sewing); many of which have been passed down to her family. Gardening was also something Mom excelled at; she had beautiful gardens wherever she lived.

She is survived by her children: daughter, Kathleen and Edward Russell of Suffield, daughter Karen Vivian Lee (Houston) and Joe Milbier of Venice, FL. and Eastham, Ma. , son, Kevin and Barbara Lee of East Hartford, son, Kerry Lee and Laura Graf of Scotland, CT and daughter-in-law Vera Almeida Lee of Old Lyme.

She was predeceased by her husband Tom, son Kenneth, siblings Richard and William Kelleher and Eileen Kelleher Landswick. Gramma also leaves nine grandchildren, Kevin Russell, Katy Walpole, Candice Wakefield, Thomas Russell, Kenzy York, John Lee, Casey Menard, Brandon and Alex Lee, and nine great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kieva, Harper, Judah, Kenny, Jack, Charlotte, Jovie, and Hailey. As both Mom and Dad requested, burial will be in Ireland, surrounded by family, in the Irish Sea.

We wish to thank the many caregivers, who cared for her as if she was their Mom; Chev, Irene, Beverly, Angela, and Dani. Also a special thanks to Heather and Jennifer for supplying her daily with her most favorite Dairy Queen vanilla ice cream cone. We will miss her quiet strength, her sense of humor, and love of family.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 10th from 4-7pm at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd. , Old Saybrook. A memorial service will begin at 6:30pm during calling hours.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Strong House Adult Day Center, 546 Durham Rd. , Madison, CT 06443 or at stronghousect.org.

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