Jean Griffin Kelley

Jean De Chantal Griffin Kelley beloved wife and best friend of Bernard Joseph Kelley Jr. passed away at home on November 12, 2018 after a 7 month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 15, 1932 in Bridgeport, CT, she was the only child of Edward and Mary Toomey Griffin. Jean graduated from Central High School Class of 1950 and went on graduate from Western Connecticut State University in 1954. She received her Master's Degree in Education from Fairfield University in 1961.
Jean taught school in Bridgeport at John Winthrop School for several years before marrying Bernie in 1963 and starting a family in Milford. Jean fell in love with Broadway when she saw her first musical "South Pacific". An avid reader, her favorite authors were Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck and more recently Anna Quindlen.
Memorable travels with Bernie included Cape Cod, FL, San Francisco and Long Beach, CA and in the summer of 2001, Ireland. Jean substituted for the Milford Board of Education for many years once her children were in school. She then worked for Milford Jai Alai for 25 years.
Survivors in addition to Bernie are her children, Susan Kelley of Atlanta, GA, Maura Kelley of Fairfield, and Bernard Kelley lll also of Fairfield. Beloved grandchildren Ronald and Patrick Huber and Emma and Jacqueline Kelley. Sister-in-law Cathline Navin of Enfield, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Jean is predeceased by her brothers and sisters in law, Elaine and Warren Reyher, Patricia Kelley and John Navin.
Calling hours are 3:00 to 6:00 on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Spear Miller Funeral Home at 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT. Friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 10am at Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Western Connecticut State University (WCSU Foundation) at 181 White St. Danbury, CT 06810. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com