Obituary of Evelyn M. Kiley

Pastoral Minister St. Anthony’s Church, Loving Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother Evelyn (McLeod) Kiley ,87, of Prospect passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, December 4, 2020. She joined her beloved husband, the late Thomas G. Kiley, in heaven on the same date after eighteen years apart. Evelyn was born November 9, 1933 in South Boston, Mass., a “Southie”, a daughter of the late Charles E. McLeod and Mary (Cornelissen) McLeod. Evelyn ministered to countless people in her full and rich 87 years, first as an LPN at St. Mary’s Hospital and Maloria’s Children’s Hospital and ultimately for the past four decades of her life as a Lay Minister in St. Anthony’s Church of Prospect. She and her beloved husband Tom moved from Boston to Prospect early in their marriage when Tom was offered a job opportunity in New Haven. Together they raised their 6 children of five boys and one girl, their family now grown to 19 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Evelyn went back to school when her children were in college and high school to earn her LPN licensure. Evelyn dedicated her life to service of others. Genuine, angelic, dynamic, shepherding, comforting, these adjectives are but a few of the wonderful words that describe Evelyn. She taught her children by example, involving them in community/ church volunteering. Evelyn’s faith has guided her further into Catholic service. As a Pastoral Minister, she served many roles; consoling the bereaved, visiting the infirmed, bringing Communion, Christmas giving tree donations, running the food pantry, Bible study. A cancer survivor herself, Evelyn served as American Cancer Society CT Coordinator of Reach to Recovery Program. Despite all these varied volunteer roles Evelyn found time to enjoy singing with the Mattatuck Community Choir and Seven Angels Theater. Of all the roles Evelyn has had in her life, being wife to Tom and mother to her children was most fulfilling. She will be so greatly missed. Left to honor her life and legacy and cherish her memory are her sons: Thomas(Peggy Ann) of Oklahoma, Robert(Cindy) of Maryland, Peter(Barbara) of Michigan, Michael(Diane) of Plainville, and Mark(Dot) of Prospect and only daughter Cynthia(David) Grasso of New Hampshire, brothers Charles and Robert McLeod and 19 grandchildren and 26 greatgrandchildren. Evelyn was predeceased by her sister Lauralee Knight. A Funeral Mass for Evelyn will be held Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect. Those planning to attend services are asked to meet directly at church. Please be mindful of the capacity restrictions, 6 foot distancing and mask requirement now in place regarding COVID 19. Burial will immediately follow at Prospect Cemetery. Walk Through Calling Hours will be held Wednesday December 9, 2020 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Prospect Memorial Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd. Prospect. Church sanctuary capacity is limited due to CDC/ CT.DPH mandates. You are invited to view Evelyn’s Funeral Mass via Live Stream on St Anthony Church Facebook page: www.facebook.com/stanthonyprospect.org The video of the Mass will be available following the Mass on www.stanthonyprospect.org (follow links for Live Stream Mass on home page) Memorial contributions may be made to Carolyn's Place.org or the St. Anthony's Church hall renovation fund. Please visit www.prospectmemorial.com for directions or to leave condolences for Evelyn’s family