Kathleen Ann Conlin

Kathleen ‘Kay’ Ann (Lynch) Conlin, 89, of Southington and previously Berlin and New Britain, passed away on October 31st surrounded by her family who truly loved and adored her. As an exceptional mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, she lived her life with immense joy, boundless love, faith and deep care for others. She will forever live on in our hearts and serve as an example of how to live a beautiful and fulfilling life.

Kathleen was born on November 16, 1932, to the late Cornelius and Hannah (Healy) Lynch in New Britain. After graduating from New Britain High School in 1950, she worked at CL& P until having her first child in 1962.She then worked at Allstate Insurance Company from the early 70’s until her retirement in 1994.

In 1956, while attending a wedding at the Stanley Golf Course, she met John ‘Jack’ Conlin and they were married in 1960.  Family was the most important aspect of their lives.  Their home was always full of laughter, children, dogs, cats, and anyone else who needed love and shelter.  While it may have looked like chaos to others, it was full of fun and love for anyone who was lucky enough to be a part of it. Kay made everything fun and everyone felt loved, cared for and safe.

Besides her parents, Kay was predeceased by her husband Jack, her son Tim, and her grandson Jerrod Greider as well as her brother and his wife, David and Judy Lynch and sister Helen Tanguay, and her sister-in-law and her husband Dorothy and Tom Reynolds.  We imagine their reunion in heaven to be filled with tight hugs, kisses, music and lots of laughter.  She is survived by her loving daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen and Angelo Chrysoulakis, Kathleen and Jerry Greider, Laure and Scott Hamel, and Meghan Conlin, grandchildren, Emily (Hamel) and her husband Cody Lombardi, Ethan and Riley Greider, Jack and James Hamel, and Alex Chrysoulakis. Oh, how she loved her family and took care of each of them in such special ways.  Kay is also survived by her twin brother Neil and his wife Sharon Lynch, sister-in-law Mary Lou and her husband Bill Coyle, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends who she cherished. We thank each person who was part of Kay's life because you contributed to making her life so fulfilling and exceptional.

Kay retired to take care of her grandchildren which allowed her to develop a special bond with each of them. They all have memories of her delicious personalized lunches and homemade cookies and cupcakes, her crazy games of hide and seek, dance contests and her boundless energy. Mostly, they remember her kisses and extra long hugs, especially when they needed them most, her smile and laughter, her pride in them and how she loved them beyond measure.

She loved traveling around the world with her children, especially to Ireland to visit dear relatives. The Conlin family spent their summers at Hawk's Nest in Old Lyme and created countless memories of family gatherings, food and fun that will last forever.  Kay’s favorite place was with her family. That is where she laughed the most and created her favorite memories. She was so very loved and she will be remembered and celebrated through the stories we tell and the way we all live our lives.  Our hearts will miss her beyond words. To our beautiful mom and grandma who was the center of our family...hug, kiss, "love you”.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 am at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St. New Britain, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Jerome Church.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7 pm at the funeral Home.