Barbara C. Keily (Chadwick)

In her own words

"I have always believed that life is very simple and that the things you do for others are what matter most, and with John's passing I believe it even more. We only have each day. Thank you for your kindness."

-Barbara C. Keily

In Loving Memory of Barbara C. Keily (nee Chadwick)

Barbara, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 with her children nearby. Born on March 2, 1942, in Warren, Ohio, she was the second oldest child and eldest daughter of the late Charles and Ann Chadwick.

A trailblazer in her own right, Barbara was the first woman in her family to earn a college degree (Youngstown University). She balanced her studies with work, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a determination to do things her way that she would carry with her throughout her life. Her love of children and education led her to a career as an elementary school teacher in Ohio, where her favorite moments were seeing the joy in little faces as they realized they could read.

In 1969, on a whim, she applied for a teaching position with the American Civil Service to work on US military bases in West Germany – and she got the job! This bold decision took her halfway across the world, where she spent over a decade teaching the children of American service members, exploring and experiencing all that Europe had to offer in the 70’s. She formed lifelong friendships and created countless memories during her time abroad.

The one chance meeting that meant the most to her, and was the most life-changing, was when she met her husband, John Keily (1946-2003), who was teaching overseas after serving in Vietnam. They had both gone out for a night on the town in Böblingen, West Germany with their respective friends. As often happens, those friend groups merged as they reminisced about life in the states and favorite childhood movies over good German beer. That connection led Barbara to John and, after a fun and adventurous courtship across the continent, they were married in Warren, Ohio in 1974.

After their wedding they returned to work overseas, building a life in West Germany together. Barbara gave birth to her daughter, Lynn Anne, three years later in Baumholder. In 1980, they all returned to the states and settled in Simsbury, CT. A few short years later, Barbara welcomed her son, Karl. She was a doting mom who loved reading to her kids, sewing clothes for their stuffed animals and dolls, volunteering to help at their schools and, in general, enjoying being a stay-at-home mom. As her kids grew older though, she decided to return to the workforce. Since education was forever close to her heart, she took a job at Avon Old Farms in the school library where she worked for twenty years to continue what could be called her life’s mission - to encourage a love of reading in children everywhere.

Barbara possessed a unique blend of qualities: a mischievous spirit, a sharp wit, and a compassionate heart. She had a knack for finding humor and joy in a simple everyday life. She was also a calming presence, a steady hand always ready to help those around her. A devout Catholic, Barbara was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Parish in Simsbury, CT. She was a dedicated volunteer counter for the Church, prepared meals for local shelters, knitted prayer shawls, and often donated her handmade hats and scarves to charity. Her faith and her desire to help her community were a source of strength and comfort throughout her life and in her final days.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She cherished her children, Lynn Anne and Karl, though in recent years they had both been supplanted by the true apple of her eye, her granddaughter Bea. She was immensely proud of her children’s accomplishments and even more so with their choice of partners, Mark and Kate, whom she adored.

Barbara is also survived by her siblings Patty Curran (Jim), Charlie and Pat Chadwick, Margaret and Dave Burgess, Ed and Rachel Chadwick, John Chadwick (Mary Jane), and Roberta Sypherd; her in-laws Carolyn Keily, Susan and Richard Zelman, Lois and Tom Byron, Kathy Keily (Doug) and Paul and Linda Keily; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, goddaughters and godsons, whom she loved.

Barbara will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, patience, and adventure will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Mary's Church in Simsbury, CT or Gifts of Love in Avon, CT.

life story

A caring grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, and friend

Barbara was known to say "If you find something that you love and it fits, buy two." Her family feels that this is still great shopping advice, but that it also may have a deeper meaning. When you find anything - a person, a place, a community - that you love and "gets you" then double down, never let it go. This is how Barbara lived. If she loved you, she would be with you for life, always rooting for you and supporting you as best she could. A life lesson we can all take with us. (And to never turn down a Munsons triple layer truffle as they are the best chocolate treat ever created.)

The Carmelite Prayer

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatsoever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used to. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it has ever meant. It is the same as it ever was, there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is past, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before, only better, infinitely happier and forever -- we will be one together with Christ.

memorial service

Calling Hours

November 11, 2024

Vincent Funeral Home 880 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury, CT 06070, USA

Per her wishes, Barbara will be cremated. Calling hours with the family will take place from 4p-6p on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Vincent Funeral Home in Simsbury, CT.

memorial service

Funeral Mass

November 12, 2024

St. Mary's Church 942 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury, CT 06070, USA

The funeral mass for Barbara will be followed by the interment of her ashes at Simsbury Cemetary (Plank Hill Rd.).

The funeral mass can be livestreamed on St. Mary's Church website:

https://stmarysimsbury.org/live-streaming