Nonotuck Resource Associates is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly-Curtin on July 8, 2023. Kitty leaves behind an incalculably massive impact on the Nonotuck community, serving as the driving force behind the creation of our Adult Family Care (AFC) program, spending 26 years as Shared living caregiver, and working for Nonotuck for 17 years, most recently as Executive Vice President of Operations.
She leaves behind two sons and a large network of family and friends.
Kitty grew up in a large family in Lee, Massachusetts, graduating from Springfield Technical Community College, Berkshire Community College, Maria College and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. She was a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree, and held a Massachusetts educator’s license to teach practical nursing.
Kitty’s life changed significantly when she began what became a 26-year shared living journey with Daniel “Danny” J. MacDonald in 1992. Over a few years-time, Kitty and Danny grew very close and decided they wanted to live together in a unique model called Shared Living through Nonotuck. In 1996 Danny moved into Kitty's home with her young family. The ensuing years were filled with such love, joy, amusement, and an outgrowth of a plethora of unique and special relationships that bonded Danny and his community, family, friends and supporters of all ages. Together they lived an amazingly active and exciting life.
“In the 36 years I’ve been at Nonotuck this is without a doubt our Community’s saddest day. Kitty leaves a legacy with our great agency like no other,” says Nonotuck President/CEO George H. Fleischner. “She leaves her imprint everywhere. Kitty began as a part-time nurse and over the years steadily moved up to become an Executive VP of Operations. She touched the lives of so many people with her love, kindness, and compassion. Her values ran deep. Her influence on the direction of Nonotuck steady. She loved her work. She loved Nonotuck.”
Calling hours will be held Thursday, July 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee, MA.
Services will be held Friday, July 14, at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church in Lee, MA. A burial service at the cemetery will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Nonotuck Gift Giving Fund.
Learn how Nonotuck developed a love-based ideology of care. We started our shared living program as an alternative to group homes for people with disabilities. Instead, Shared Living creates genuine life transformation for people with disabilities, as well as families and communities. The true power of caregiving is found through hospitality, authenticity, and love.
