Sue (Sophie Lou) Kinch, 85, of Gales Ferry passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018 surrounded by her family. Sue was born in 1932 at Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas to parents Major General Faye and Marcella Upthegrove. She graduated from Trinity University, Washington, D.C. and obtained her Master's Degree from Canisius University in New York. On September 20, 1969 she was married to Lt. Colonel Lawrence W. Kinch, USAF. She has resided in Gales Ferry since 1980.
Following her graduation from Canisius University, Sue committed to a life of religious service as a Sister of Mercy in Buffalo, New York. Upon completion of her service, she went on to teach History at Mississipi State University. While s tationed at various military bases, Sue also taught at several base schools. After her husband's retirement, she was employed by the town of Groton at the Groton Senior Center, retiring as the Center Director in 1997. She was also an active communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry.
She is survived by her loving husband of Gales Ferry, daughters Beth Dench, (Bill), of Seekonk, Massachusetts, Laura Ochat, (Lenny), of Ledyard, Connecticut, Meredith Maynard, (Dave), of West Greenwich, Rhode Island and Amy Bodnar, (Christopher), of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her many granddaughters, Jennifer, Stephanie, Sarah, Kayla, Kelly, Danielle, Emily, Megan, and Lexi and great grandson Larry. She was predeceased by her sister Mary Jane Scott (Richard) of Plattsmouth, Nebraska. She will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews.
Sue's family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, May 29 from 6 to 8pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 30, at 11:30am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry CT. Burial will be private for the family at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, Rhode Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heifer International, 1 World Aveune, Little Rock AR 72202, or Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry CT 06335.
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