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Judith Day Kells, 76, formerly of Ivoryton passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, surrounded by her children after a courageous battle with cancer at her home in Essex Meadows. A remarkable lady with a big heart, she was born in New Haven, the daughter of Rosella and Lawrence Day. Judy grew up in a house built by her dad in Madison near the beach, which spurred her love of the beach, collecting shells, and boating.

Judy’s passion was teaching and being an active member in her community and church as well as being an independent entrepreneur. She was a passionate preschool teacher who later opened Swim Safe out of her home pool in Chester and then Ivoryton. Over many summers, she taught both children and adults to swim. Judy always had a photographer’s eye behind the camera and enjoyed taking pictures of her 17 grandchildren, neighbors, and friends in her home studio and in nature. Often, she was credited with photos published in the Main Street News.

She was beloved wife of Kenneth W. Kells for 25 years. They joined families in marriage in 1984; Ken with three children and Judy with four. Together, the nine of them enjoyed many family trips to Vermont for skiing, maple sugaring, and helping with Ken’s family’s farm. Judy and Ken loved to travel but made sure they were home in Connecticut every summer to nurture their grandchildren in what was known as “Camp Kells.” Judy loved to have her grandchildren around her and lit up each time one of them called, mailed, or showed up at her door.

She is predeceased by her husband, Kenneth W. Kells. Judy is survived by her two brothers, Job and William Day, as well as her children, Todd Franssen of Long Beach, California, Kevin and Emily Franssen of Trinity, Florida, Bradley Franssen of North Conway, New Hampshire, Noelle Franssen of Manchester, New Hampshire, Kenny and Angela Kells of Phoenix Arizona, Dawn and Roy Meshel of Paradise Valley, Arizona, and Reid Kells of Portland, Oregon.

Friends visited on Sept. 27 at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook. A celebration of life service was held on Sept. 28 at The First Congregational Church of Essex. Private burial was held at Riverview Cemetery.

To share a memory of Judy or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.