Read: Memories of Kitty Kelly-Curtin

On September 21 at 9 a.m., we will dedicate our Lee office to the memory of our own Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly-Curtin. Ahead of the ceremony, we asked the Nonotuck community to provide us with their own remembrances of Kitty. She is remembered for her warmth, authenticity, ability to inspire others, and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of those in her care. Through these remembrances, Kitty’s spirit continues to resonate throughout the Nonotuck community. 

If you’d like to share a memory, story, or general appreciation of Kitty, please email Joshua Murray (murray@nonotuck.com). 

Survy Bortman, BSN, RN, RN Quality Coordinator, Auburn

“Since my time in Nonotuck and working with her, this is my memory of her: Kitty was very kindhearted, brave, understanding, cheerful, beautiful, intelligent, and a humble leader and colleague. She left us an unforgettable legacy. May she rest in peace in God’s loving care. I know that no words that I can put in writing describe the loss we all feel. Her memories and life will always remain in all the hearts who love and meet her in this life.
In His perfect timing, I hope the healing of this loss will come to us all, knowing with all our hearts that Kathleen Kelly-Curtin, Kitty, is with Him, there is no more pain and sorrow, and her beautiful and gentle spirit is forever alive.”

Thomas Carey, Care Manager, Harvard

“I knew Kitty for a short time and only interacted with her virtually, but I could feel her passion for the people that we serve and that she served every time she spoke. Her lifelong dedication to folks with intellectual and physical disabilities is something to be admired.”

Jeanne Clapper, Retired Family Support Division Director, HMEA

“As a new Director of HMEA’s AFC program, Kitty was more than willing to share her knowledge about building an AFC program through her experience at Nonotuck. Her generosity and support for me, HMEA, and the families we both wanted to help will never be forgotten. Well-deserved dedication!”

Maureen T. Curran, Program Assistant, Plymouth

“I first met Kitty and George when they visited the Plymouth office for a staff meeting about two years ago! I instantly liked her! She was so easy to connect with, and a delightful personality, with a positive perspective and lots of spunk! We chatted about how much she loves the Cape, and she gave some tips on the best places to shop for antiques and thrift stores. She loved the store called Penny Lane and I knew I would love it for the same reasons!

I was privileged to get to know Kitty at work during the AFC Home team meetings. There was a group of us that met every Friday at 11:00 a.m. for months, with Kerrie Paradis and Kitty at the helm with the sole purpose of rolling out AFC Home. I loved her determination to get things done and to ensure everyone understood the reasons why we were making changes. I loved how she spoke up, stopped the meeting to ask a relevant question that ensured we were on track and weren’t moving past something that needed to be discussed. She was a great leader, and I truly admired her ability to get things done, and to do them right. I miss her too and I consider it a blessing to have known her!”

George H. Fleischner, President and CEO

“As Nonotuck reflects on the profound impact that Kitty Curtin had on the development of Nonotuck’s Adult Family Care (AFC) program and the nursing department, we are filled with both sorrow and a deep sense of gratitude for her enduring legacy. 

We choose to celebrate Kitty’s incredible contributions, her passion for service, the pride she took in her role as a nurse, and the immense responsibility she embraced with that designation. Kitty Curtin was hired in 2006 as a part-time nurse, tasked with the formidable responsibility of creating Nonotuck’s AFC program. What began as a nascent initiative soon blossomed under Kitty’s visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and her love of Nonotuck.

In just 15 years, Kitty grew the AFC program into the second-largest in the state of Massachusetts, expanding our services from North Adams to Cape Cod. Today, our AFC program boasts a team of 40 or so dedicated nurses, all of whom carry forward the principles and philosophy that Kitty instilled in Nonotuck’s nursing practice.

Kitty’s influence, however, extends far beyond numbers and geographical reach. She crafted a philosophy of nursing for Nonotuck that was deeply rooted in her ideals of service, compassion, love, and dedication to healing. Her approach was not just about providing care, but about embodying a spirit of empathy and commitment to the well-being of every individual we serve.

Kitty’s legacy is vividly alive in the strength and dedication of our nurses today. They carry her torch, exemplifying the passion for service and the holistic approach to care that Kitty championed. Her philosophy has become the bedrock of our nursing department, ensuring that every nurse at Nonotuck not only performs their duties with excellence but does so with the heart, love, and compassion that Kitty exemplified every day.

As we honor Kitty’s memory and celebrate her legacy, we are reminded of the immense impact one person can have. Kitty Curtin transformed our AFC program and left an indelible mark on our agency. Her legacy lives on through the nurses who continue to be inspired by her example, and through the countless lives that have been touched by their care.

Kitty’s passion for service, her pride in being a nurse, and her unwavering sense of responsibility have set a standard that we strive to uphold. As we remember her, we commit ourselves to carrying forward her legacy, ensuring that her spirit of love, dedication, and compassion continues to define Nonotuck for years to come.”

Ryan Gaw, Director of Finance, Northampton

“Kitty was a truly authentic personality! She had the unique ability to brighten a room literally and figuratively. I enjoyed every interaction I was lucky enough to have with Kitty. She will be missed. Simply put, there is no one that better exemplified the core values of Nonotuck than Kitty. Her light will always shine bright! Kitty was the embodiment of everything that Nonotuck stands for.”

Serah Muiruri, M.Ed., CRC, Clinician, Auburn

“Based on observations, Kitty carried on her duties with grace, humility, and tremendous ownership, which was fairly apparent in her physical presence. All these attributes were quite apparent each time I ran into her or consulted with her on various occasions.
Regarding taking the lead on creating the AFC program from the ground up, that is quite a legacy, but an encouragement that we too can have a positive influence on others, one person, one action at a time. The world is certainly better for many because of her willingness to do whatever it took to create such a phenomenal program. May she continue resting in peace.”

Vantha Sarunn, Care Manager, Lowell

“I wasn’t able to see Kitty often, but every time she comes to the office it is always a breath of fresh air. She not only radiates positive energy but a warmth that engulfs you with love. Whenever she is near, we are able to see a glimpse of her charisma and passion. Although she is no longer with us, she will always be a part of Nonotuck.”

Debra Schnare, Vice President of Operations, Auburn

“Kitty had a special ability to connect with people. She took time to truly understand those she worked with, making her a very effective supervisor who led with heart. What I remember most vividly about Kitty was how profoundly human she was. She wasn’t afraid to show vulnerability, to admit when things were tough, or to celebrate successes – with great enthusiasm! Her authenticity helped create a work atmosphere at Nonotuck where we felt seen and valued—not just as professionals, but as people.

Kitty’s infectious laugh could light up even the most difficult situations, bringing joy and warmth to those who shared in the moment. As we transitioned to a virtual work model during the COVID pandemic, it always amazed me that Kitty had a funny hat or costume at the ready for a child who burst into a meeting – the relief and acceptance that brought me as a new mother navigating virtual work was invaluable.

Kitty leaves a legacy of kindness, warmth, and a drive to know more and be better. What she gave to us is immeasurable and her influence continues to guide us.
Boy, is she missed…”

Maggy Walto, Care Manager, Lee

“As a Caregiver – Kitty was a role model caregiver and inspiration to many! The love that was shown between Kitty and Danny will never be forgotten. Kitty lived every single second to the fullest with Dan the Man! She rose to every occasion with a smile, a lot of grace, and laughter.
Kitty and Danny were recognized at the highest level at the Massachusetts Statehouse in 2019. This award came from Kitty and Danny having to climb through many challenges with their health, Dan’s aging process, and unforeseen circumstances of Kitty losing her brother and sister-in-law in a car accident. Kitty and Danny faced every challenge with compassion, understanding, and the attitude of Never Giving Up! Kitty had to find additional housing outside her home to help keep Danny in a home setting. Once again, nothing was going to separate Danny and Kitty. The love between these two was inseparable.

Kitty’s advocacy and nursing knowledge helped Dan live a longer life. At the time of his passing, Danny was one of the oldest people in Massachusetts to be living with Autism at the age of 89. The life that Kitty gave Danny was simply amazing. Their relationship was built on Nonotuck’s core values: Love, Family, Community, Home, and Many Awesome Adventures.

Fly High, Dan and Kit!”