Nina Kelley

Waterford — Having suffered chronic pain for many years, Nina Kelley, wife of John Thomas DeFrancisco, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017.

Born on June 11, 1965, she was the daughter of Susan (Metcalf) and Edmund S. Kelley III of Mystic. She leaves two brothers, Edmund S. Kelley IV (Kathleen) of Rochester, N.Y. and Preston M. Kelley of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; a niece, Ruth-Elisabeth B. Kelley and a nephew, John S. Kelley, both of Rochester, N.Y. In addition, she leaves a brother-in-law, Timothy Eugene DeFrancisco of Ludlow, Vt.; sisters-in-law, Mary Elizabeth DeFrancisco of Norwich and Marjorie Helen DeFrancisco of Brandon, Vt.; and her beloved dog, Bucky. She also leaves her aunt, Ann K. Scott of South Dartmouth, Mass.; uncle, Michael F. Metcalf of Moraga, Calif.; aunt, Deborah M. Dresser of Newburgh, N.Y.; and many cousins.

She was predeceased by her aunt, Elizabeth K. Safe Richards; and uncles, George P. Metcalf III and John O’Brien Metcalf.

Nina was a graduate of Stonington High School, Mohegan Community College and Northeastern University, where she earned a master of science degree in criminal justice. Nina was employed by the Connecticut Department of Criminal Justice until 2001, when she suffered a debilitating injury.

Nina was a beautiful, bright, kind, fun loving, spiritual young woman who loved her friends and family, her dog and Jonathan Edwards. In addition to dogs, she was most fond of dolphins, the beach and sea, kayaking, skiing, Stowe, Vt., and Cuttyhunk Island.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Calvary Church in Stonington, followed by a reception at the Bishops Cove Club House in Mystic. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nina’s Memory to the Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill, CT 06375.