Kathleen Manning Turbett

Kathleen Ann Manning Turbett, 83, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at CT Hospice in Branford. She was predeceased by her husband, Francis “Sonny” Turbett, her siblings William “Billy” Manning, Wallingford, and Joan Foley, Hamden; brothers-in-law Peter Burke and Don Hennessey; nephews Thomas Faherty and Brian Malone; and grandnephew Collin Burke. She is survived by her four loving children Theresa (Don Kahen) O’Brien, Hamden; Patricia (Patrick) Sheridan, North Haven; Christopher (Marjorie) Turbett, Middletown; and Daniel (Stephanie) Turbett, Wallingford; her domestic partner, Al Byrne, East Haven; her sweet siblings Mary Burke, North Haven; Eileen Hennessey, North Branford; Betty (Thomas) Faherty, North Haven; Rita (Louis) Sheehan, North Port, FL; Chris (Nancy) Manning, Wallingford; Sheila (Peter) DePascale, Orange; sister-in-law Peggy Manning, Wallingford; brother-in-law Connie Foley, Hamden; and by her treasured grandchildren, Mackenzie O’Brien, New Haven; Declan, Roisin, and Desmond Turbett, Wallingford; Evan Sheridan, North Haven; Gonzalo and Maya Turbett, Middletown; Adela Turbett, and great-grandchildren, Lian and Arya Baez, Wethersfield, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her precious cat, Bella. Kathleen was born the fourth of nine children on July 23,1941 in New Haven, CT, to the late Christopher and Eileen (O’Keefe) Manning. Initially growing up in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, she often commented that East Rock was her playground, especially when she and her siblings would climb King and Queens Rock and play in Eagle’s Cave. At age 10, her family moved to the Westville section of New Haven where she was later crowned “Miss Westville” by her siblings. Kathleen graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1959. She met her husband, Sonny, soon after he immigrated from Co. Leitrim, Ireland, at her Aunt Breada’s wedding. From then on, they would go to the New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club for football games and dances, where they would dance the night away to the sounds of Ireland. Kathleen and Sonny were married in 1962 before heading to North Carolina, where Sonny was stationed in the U.S. Army. In 1964, they returned to New Haven, settling back into a Westville neighborhood, where they raised their four children. Kathleen and Sonny enjoyed playing endless card games (25 and Set Back) at their kitchen table, neighborhood block parties on the 4th of July, and going on family trips to Ireland, the Catskills, Cape Cod, and Riverside Park. Sadly, after 32 years of marriage, Sonny passed away in 1994. Five years later, Kathleen met Alphonsus “Al” Byrne, a Limerick man. They became steadfast companions, living in the Spring Glen neighborhood of Hamden for over 20 years. Together they enjoyed travelling to Ireland, cruising the high seas, having tea together and playing cards, going to Irish dances and concerts at the IACC and GAC, and sitting on the front porch or back patio enjoying the nice weather. Kathleen was born a caregiver and fiercely loyal to her family. After her marriage to Sonny, she settled into family life to take care of him and their children. Once her children were in school, she opened a daycare where she cared for many children in her home. After thirteen years, Kathleen stepped outside of the home to work as a medical assistant in Asis Medical Associates caring for patients. She also worked as a home-health aid at Whitney Center, Hamden, and in private homes. Known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren, Kathleen began caring for them in 1997 while her own children were working. She truly took great pleasure in helping to raise the next generation of the Turbett family. Kathleen was the biggest supporter of her children and grandchildren, and quite possibly the O.G. Uber driver. Whether it was to a sports practice or game, competition, extracurricular activity, prom, graduation, or job, without hesitation, she put many miles on her car to get to the field, auditorium, school, or banquet hall to cheer on her family. A long-time member of the New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club/Irish-American Community Center, Kathleen thoroughly enjoyed Céilí set-dancing with friends and family, playing Bingo and cards (and beating the men!), and singing rebel songs (up Cork!) while there. And she wouldn’t miss attending the Irish Feis and Festival each year. Kathleen relied on her strong Catholic faith to get her through difficult times. She was also very close to her siblings whom she considered her friends. She absolutely loved being with them for any event, especially the sibling trips they took for each of their birthdays. Kathleen was a stickler for her lawn care (no one could do it better!) and would often be seen tending to her grass in her Westville and Hamden homes. She was often jetting off to places near and far, travelling with family and friends, and subsequently covering her entire refrigerator with magnets from all over the globe. Kathleen will be sorely missed by all who knew her for her gift of love, kindness, generosity of spirit, her infectious laugh, can-do attitude, organizational skills, and financial expertise. And “When all else fails, ask Mimi,” for she had a wealth of wisdom, with the keen ability to listen with understanding and always give sound advice. The family would like to thank those who took care of Kathleen for the past 15 months, especially her sisters, Bet, Sheila, and Mary; sister-in-law, Nancy and brother, Chris; all of the sisters and staff at Clelian Center; and Barbara, Melissa, Meri, Maureen, and Karen. The love and care you all showed towards Kathleen will never be forgotten. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Aedan and Brendan Catholic Church, 112 Fountain St, New Haven. Burial will follow in Centerville Cemetery, 247 Washington Ave, Hamden. Sisk Brothers Funeral Home are taking care of the arrangements. Donations can be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Irish American Community Center (IACC).

Kathleen Manning Turbett

July 23, 1941 - June 5, 2025