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Katherine Pellegrino, 90, of East Haven passed away on Aug. 14 at St. Raphael Campus of Yale New Haven Hospital. She was born June 7, 1931, in New Haven to William and Mary (Fitzpatrick) O’Brien.

Katherine is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Dr. Louis Pellegrino, and children Karen Pellegrino of East Haven, Robert Pellegrino (Danielle) of New Haven, Lynn Pellegrino (William McLaughlin) of Guilford, and Lisa Pellegrino (companion Vincent Grillo) of Branford. She is also survived by five grandchildren she adored, Alicia Thompson (Andrew), Shauna McLaughlin, Kayley McLaughlin, Molly McLaughlin, and Mia Parise; and two great-grandchildren, Ava Thompson and Aidan Thompson, along with a sister-in-law, Jean O’Brien of Branford. Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, her son Louis Pellegrino (1996), and a brother, William O’Brien. The family would like to thank her caregiver and friend, Michelle, who meant so much to our mother.

“Kay” was born and raised in New Haven. She met her future husband, Louis, at the age of 16 at Lighthouse Beach. Lou spotted this beautiful Irish redhead in a bright red bathing suit and they were together ever since. After receiving her R.N., she worked as an E.R. nurse in Boston. However, love called and she eventually moved to Philadelphia with Lou as he attended dental school.

Eventually, they would settle in East Haven to raise their five children in the same house where they reside today. Kay was a full-time devoted mother, with long days spent raising her children and being involved in all aspects of their busy lives. Kay also had many talents and interests, which included painting and sculpting and a love of tennis. She loved to paint in many mediums and some of her children’s most treasured gifts were paintings she did of her grandchildren or other special subjects. She loved the outdoors, especially at the shore. Some of her happiest times were swimming in Great Pond in Belgrade Lakes, Maine or in Long Island Sound at Double Beach Club and later at Silver Sands in East Haven.

She was a lover of all animals. There wasn’t a stray she would turn away. She also loved all kinds of music. She and Lou would often go with friends on Saturday night to local places to dance. They were a sight to see whenever they stepped onto the dance floor. At 88, she danced at her granddaughter Alicia’s wedding, surrounded by her family.

Kay raised her children in a house filled with love, laughter, animals, and music. She was a ray of sunshine and always had a positive outlook. To know Kay was to love her and she was a gift to all that knew her. She will be forever missed.

Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Avenue, East Haven with committal to follow at East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven. Funeral services are under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Avenue, East Haven. Please follow safety protocol and social distancing. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Save the Sound, 900 Chapel Street, Suite 2202, New Haven CT 06510 in memory of our mother, Katherine Pellegrino.