Farmington Obituary: Kathleen Alderman, 91

Kathleen “Kay” (Kenure) Alderman, 91, of Forestville, passed away peacefully at Touch Points of Farmington on October 27, 2015. She was the beloved wife of the late Raymond D. Alderman, who predeceased her in 1978. Together they shared over thirty years of marriage.

Kay was born on May 8, 1924, in New Britain, daughter of the late William and Loretta (Welch) Kenure. She was related to the Welch family of Cork County, Ireland and she embraced her Irish heritage. In fact, in her 70’s she traveled solo to Ireland. She was a resident of Forestville for over 60 years where she raised her family. Up until this past year, she maintained a beautiful home for her and her family to create unforgettable memories.

Kay graduated from St. Joseph College in West Hartford, with credits from Central Connecticut State University, with her bachelor’s degree in education. In addition, she was a Latin major. She held her first teaching position in Lebanon, CT and worked a number of years in a variety of capacities for the Plainville and Bristol Boards of Education, most notable as a full-time substitute at both Plainville and Bristol High schools. In addition, she has been secretary and president of the Greene-Hills School PTO, a religion instructor for St. Matthew Church in Forestville, secretary of the Bristol Boosters and National Education Associations. She was a parishioner of St. Matthew Church.

Kay was an active member of the community both as an educator and volunteer, which did not go unnoticed. She devoted much of her time to helping others and the community. She was a dedicated Red Cross volunteer and had extensive Red Cross Training credentials. She held various positions as director, vice chairperson, secretary, chairperson of volunteers of the local board, assistant vice chairperson of the Southern New England Territory of the American Red Cross, member of the Volunteer 200 Advisory Committee, a trainer, and more. In 1987, she received the Sterling Award, presented annually by the Tri-State Territory to the chapter’s most outstanding volunteer. She was an important and reliable anchor for the local volunteers when the Bristol and Greater Hartford chapters merged.

Kay also served on the board of the Bristol Community Organization. She was on a number of committees within the organization and was the secretary. She was an enthusiastic member of the Bristol Girls Club Family Center. She tutored single mothers through the Girls Club’s Young Parent Program and the Bristol Board of Education. In 1990, Kay was one of the six women to be honored with the first Bristol PLUS (Positive Leadership, Unselfish Service) Award, sponsored by the Bristol Girls Club Family Center. The award, with 40 nominees in total, honored female mentors and leaders from area businesses and schools who volunteered thousands of hours in service. She was also affiliated with the Redstone Hill Recreation Club and the RSVP Advisory Council.

When Kay was not volunteering or mentoring, she enjoyed spending time reading, doing crossword puzzles, and taking trips to the beach. She was a voracious reader belonging to several book clubs. Her family was her pride and joy and she loved being surrounded by them. A beach and family enthusiast, she valued her family summer vacations in Old Lyme, New London, Old Saybrook, and Cape Cod. She treasured both Thanksgiving and Halloween, as they were special family holidays. She also found joy in watching sports on T.V., particularly golf. She will be greatly missed, leaving a legacy of kindheartedness, love, volunteerism, and cherished memories.

Kay is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law, Raymond and Kathy Alderman, of Plainville; Clarke Alderman, of Sutton, MA; Michael and Bev Alderman, of Hoffman Estates, IL; her grandchildren, Tracy Redman, Brian, Laura, Elizabeth, Kara, Greg, Matthew, and Emily Alderman; her great-granddaughter, Ashley Redman; her nieces and nephews, whom she had a special relationship with, Corby Coperthwaite, Moira Spohn, Erin Truncone, Patrick Dolan, Beth Powell, and Lauren Jett. The oldest of five children, Kay was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, James Kenure, Maureen Dolan, Loretta Kenure, and Patricia Coperthwaite. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Alderman.

Family and friends may gather in celebration of Kay’s life on Sunday, November 1st, from 2-4 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St, Plainville. Words of Remembrance will be shared at the conclusion of the visitation at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Kay may be remembered with contributions to American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839, or to St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Forestville, CT, 06010.