Ellen Turley

Groton — Ellen Emma (Kleis) Turley, 81, of Noank, beloved wife of 59 years to Brian D. Turley, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018, after a long illness.

Born in Torrington, she was the daughter to the late John and Mary (Laska) Kleis and lived in Noank for over 40 years.

Ellen was attending Hartford Hospital School of Nursing when she met Brian, who was in the U.S. Navy. Sparks flew and they married in 1958. While in the Navy, they moved and traveled all over the place including three years in Scotland. They moved to Noank, living on Palmers Cove. Ellen worked at the Mystic Seaport Museum for many years in many positions, such as museum teacher, teaching basic astronomy classes at the planetarium, and giving tours. She retired when they moved to England, where they continued their adventures to Africa, Czechoslovakia and Egypt. When they returned to Noank, Ellen wanted a challenge, so she went back to school at Connecticut College to earn a bachelor’s degree in education. She also returned to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and participated as a Sunday school teacher and in the choir. Then, the grandchildren started to arrive and she found a new calling: grandmother. The grandchildren brought her and Brian so much joy, happiness and adventures.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her three children, Daniel Turley (Ruth) of North Chelmsford, Mass., Diana O’Brien of Norwich and David Turley (Kellie) of Somers; a sister, Ethel Matthews of Old Saybrook; and eight grandchildren, Kelly (O’Brien) Ruiz, Kathleen O’Brien, Danielle Turley, Daniel O’Brien, Brandon Turley, Anastasia Turley, Nicole Turley and Natalia Turley.

She was predeceased by a son-in-law, Bernard O’Brien; two brothers, Emil and John Kleis; and a sister, Mary Krepcio.

Her family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 23, at the Mystic Funeral Home on Route 1 in Mystic. A service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1830 Route 12 in Gales Ferry where she was a longtime member. Following the service, her burial will follow at the Noank Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Gales Ferry.