Katherine Ann Wells
K. Ann (Kilroy) Wells, 68, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2022, at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. She was born to William C. Kilroy and Mary Jane (Scanlon) Kilroy on October 06, 1953, in Meriden, Connecticut.
Ann graduated from Orville H. Platt High School in Meriden in 1971. She had a strong aptitude for math and English and won second place in the annual Hicks Prize Essay Contest for her entry entitled “Me, Happy?” Ann went on to attend Southern Connecticut State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English in 1975 and then began her career in banking.
Ann first met David A. Wells while on a double date (with different partners) at which time it became quickly apparent to him that “he was with the wrong girl that night.” On November 8, 1980, she married David, the love of her life, at St. Joseph’s Church in Meriden, Connecticut. They lived in Gales Ferry, Connecticut for over 30 years, making lifelong friendships before moving to Lisbon in 2019.
The greatest joy in Ann’s and David’s life was the adoption of their only child Caitlin. In 1989, Ann left her career behind to become a stay-at-home mother. In the mid-1990s, Ann worked as substitute teacher for Ledyard Elementary Schools. Later, she became an after-school tutor at the New London Regional Multicultural Magnet School (RMMS) where she worked for many years.
“Miss Ann” loved all of ‘her kids’ in the Homework Club at RMMS. She often spoke of her work there and the various strategies she applied to help each child understand, particularly in math. Employing a perfect blend of discipline tempered by kindness, she gained the affection of the students, and had a positive impact on their learning. Her favorite fun activities were hosting a hot chocolate party before the winter holidays and a pizza party at school-year’s end. She left RMMS in 2014 due her declining health caused by muscular dystrophy. She fought her battle with grace and positivity. Ann never complained despite her many physical challenges.
A gentle soul with a heart of gold, Ann was a patient and loving wife and mother, and a true friend. She will be remembered by countless cups of tea (or wine) she shared with her girlfriends, her exceptional proofreading skills, and the ability to stretch her birthday celebrations over the entire month of October. Her culinary talents included her famous cranberry-nut bread, Hawaiian Wedding cake and macaroni and cheese. She loved a sale and could “shop till she dropped.” Ann was an avid reader, a talented guitarist, a great storyteller, and an even better listener.
Ann was a most devoted mother to Caitlin. She would always listen, give wise advice, and never judged. Together they enjoyed baking, Chinese food, and playing Cribbage. As a grandmother, she was cherished by her grandsons who called her Nanny. She loved to cuddle up with them and watch a movie, play cards, and every Christmas Eve she would read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Every time we said, “I love you,” she would reply, “I love you more.”
Ann is predeceased by her parents, youngest brother William “Billy” C. Kilroy Jr., and her loving husband David only one month prior to her own passing. Ann is survived by her brother Thomas Kilroy (Diane) of Middlefield, Connecticut, her daughter Caitlin Ryan (Timothy), and grandsons, Keagan, and Jackson of Lisbon. She is also survived by several nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, dearest of friends, and devoted caregiver, Alora.
The family would like to thank the ER and CCU staff at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital for their kindness and expert care. During our family’s hardest moments, you provided a light amidst the darkness.
There will be a wake honoring the lives of Ann and David at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street in Mystic, Connecticut on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with reception at (to be announced) at which time memories and tributes will be shared.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.