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Eileen Kiely Regan

Eileen Kiely Regan, 88, of Madison, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, Nov. 22, 2024.

Born in Hartford Feb. 29, 1936, Eileen was a cherished leapling and the youngest of five children of Edmund and Anna Kiely. She grew up in Manchester and graduated from Manchester High School, where she was a talented baton twirler and majorette. She was a member of the All-American Drum Majors Association and captain of Manchester High School Majorettes. She was also a major of St. Mark’s Drum Corps of West Hartford, which won the state championship in the junior female nine class. She also appeared in numerous benefit shows and participated in competitions in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, winning several medals and trophies. After high school, Eileen worked as the parish secretary for St. James Parish in Manchester. Active as a skilled baton twirling instructor and a majorette at St. Mark’s, where her love for drum corps led her to meet Joseph Regan of Fair Haven. The couple married in 1958, first living in Short Beach before settling in Madison in 1963. There, they became lifelong residents and active members of the community, building countless friendships over the years.

A devoted wife and mother, Eileen stayed home to raise their three children, spending summers at the beach and driving her kids in her red MG to the Surf Club. Most often, you could find her sitting in her beach chair next to her best friend, Dotty Bavin. She was a square dancer, and on most Friday nights, Eileen, Joe, and friends would get together, dress up, and dance the night away. Eileen was also an accomplished seamstress, making her own wedding dress and continuing her passion for sewing throughout her life.

Later, Eileen returned to work, dedicating 45 years to the Madison school system as a beloved library para-professional at Academy Street, Ryerson, and Island Avenue Schools. She took immense joy in her work, forming lasting bonds with children and coworkers alike.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 38, Eileen faced life’s challenges with grace and unwavering faith. A devout Catholic, she attended daily Mass and drew strength from her religion, always approaching each day with a smile. She loved taking the scenic “beach route” and inspired everyone who knew her with her positivity and resilience.

Eileen is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Joseph M. Regan Jr.; her children, Joseph M. Regan III (Kim) of Brookfield and Sheila A. Regan (Ken) of Higganum; her grandchildren, Stephanie Mulford (Doug), Kelly Regan, Regan Cutillo (Dave), Macken Dobbin, Nicholas Regan, and Kaitlyn Regan; and her great-grandchildren, Owen Regan, Hugh Mulford, Sophia, Alexander and Isabella Cutillo. She also leaves behind Elizabeth Regan, Jonathan Dobbin, and her dear friend Dotty Bavin.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Edmund, Francis, and Eugene Kiely; her sister Lucille Cavagnaro; and her son, Brendan F. Regan, whom she missed dearly.

Visiting hours were held on Nov. 29 at Swan Funeral Home in Madison. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Nov. 30 at St. Margaret Church in Madison, followed by a Christian burial at West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Margaret Church Annual Collection.