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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Kelly Marie Connell

Kelly Marie Connell, age 46, of Wilmington, passed away suddenly on March 30, 2023.

Kelly was a stay-at-home mother that cherished the time she spent raising her three children.  They were the love of her life.  She thoroughly enjoyed watching Jameson play baseball, Darby playing guitar and cheerleading, and Jacklyn doing gymnastics.   Kelly loved fishing and boating with her father and brothers, dancing, listening to music, and spending time with her mother.  Kelly also had a special place in her heart for animals.

Kelly is survived by her son Jameson Zentz; daughters Darby Zentz and Jacklyn Catalano; her mother, Millicent (Mickie) Keller & husband Jerry; her father, Thomas W. Connell & wife Bonnie; brother John T. Connell & wife Stephanie; sister Debbie Steinken Gallucio; nephew Dylan Connell; nieces Mackenzie Connell, Shannon Connell, and Brittny Paradis. Kelly was predeceased by her brother, Joseph M. Connell.

Kelly believed in helping animals.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local rescue, A Buddy for Life, Inc., at 16 Cornwall Road, New Castle, DE 19720.

Funeral Services

A private celebration of life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 8, 2023, for close friends and family.  Please contact family for location details.

Condolences

    James Morgan
    04/02/2023 07:30 pm
    James Morgan writes,
    My condolences to the Connell family
    04/02/2023 07:31 pm
    Theresa Ciabattoni lit a candle and writes,
    I'm so sorry to hear about Kelly. I didn't really know her but she was very close to a friend of mine. I respect her for all she did and lived through and she is the strongest girl from my point of view and I will say prayers for her. Condolences to the family.
    04/03/2023 09:17 am
    Allison Phillippe writes,
    My deepest sympathies go out to all of Kelly’s family and friends. May she RIP 🙏🏼
    04/03/2023 12:26 pm
    Christina lit a candle and writes,
    Kelly was a kind, beautiful, and compassionate person. My heart breaks that she is gone so soon. She cherished her 3 children and was so proud of them. I will be praying for them as they deal with the unimaginable loss of their mom. I hope you have found peace now, Kelly, you deserve it.❤️
    04/03/2023 06:32 pm
    Dino panagos lit a candle and writes,
    Sorry for your loss, gone way to soon!
    04/03/2023 07:23 pm
    Kerry lit a candle and writes,
    Kelly was always such a joy and light to all around her, she just had a way of making people feel accepted. Sending so much love to your family ❤️
    04/03/2023 07:32 pm
    Ellen Grimes lit a candle and writes,
    Billy and I are very sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. I got to know Kelly a bit years ago. She always seemed happy and upbeat. We are keeping you all in our hearts and prayers. Ellen & Billy Grimes
    04/05/2023 12:24 am
    Jason wachowski writes,
    Kelly and I were friends in school and used to hang out and talk all the time. She was was a beautiful person. I am very sad to hear of her passing. Please let me know where I may be able to say goodbye to her. Or at least send flowers. My condolences.
    04/05/2023 07:51 am
    Joelle Patterson lit a candle and writes,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    04/05/2023 09:02 am
    Linda and Bruce DeMayo writes,
    We were so saddened to hear of Kelly’s passing. It is so hard to lose a child. Let alone two. It isn’t supposed to happen. As you know, we have lost two children also. Our deepest sympathy to all of Kelly’s family and friends. May she rest in peace in God’s loving arms. 🙏🙏❤️❤️
    04/05/2023 12:38 pm
    Debra & Gaylon Stewart lit a candle and writes,
    Such a good friend while we knew you, you'll be missed so much. Condolences to Kelly's family and friends.
    04/05/2023 03:19 pm
    J lit a candle and writes,
    She was sweet person. I knew her brother Joe. May she rest in peace.
    04/05/2023 04:44 pm
    Carol Purcell lit a candle and writes,
    I’m very sorry . I’ve known her since she was a beautiful little girl. Love and prayers sent to you all!!❤️❤️🙏❤️
    04/05/2023 06:47 pm
    Josh Mankiewicz writes,
    She was wonderful. RIP
    04/28/2023 11:41 am
    Ashley Golden
    04/28/2023 11:46 pm
    ken Anderson writes,
    I am so sad crying doesn't cut it . The sorry will always be with me.
    07/10/2023 06:26 pm
    Emily Pfeiffer Weems writes,
    Stunned and saddened, may Kelly rest in peace and her children continue to radiate her laughter…
    08/19/2023 10:23 pm
    Lisa L Mcconnell writes,
    Kelly I just heard. I'm so sorry this happened to you..you were such a great person and now your flying with the angels with your brother..you will never be forgotten but very much missed..love you always..your friend Lisa
    11/09/2023 01:11 pm
    Mike D lit a candle and writes,
    I'm truly distraught over this great loss for this family. I feel for Jackie, Darby, and especially Jameson. I know a loss like this can have a profound and damaging effect, especially knowing the mother that Kelly was to them. I am truly pulling for them, especially Jameson, that they continue to make Kelly the proud mother she always was in life. God bless you all.
    12/18/2023 02:51 pm
    Jameson Zentz writes,
    Love you Mama, sorry for your posting something sooner. I forgive you and love you with all my heart.
    12/24/2023 10:26 am
    Jennifer E Kling lit a candle and writes,
    Just found out today from a Dateline rerun & though that was my only knowledge of you & your family, you seemed like a very sweet, sensitive person & I'm so sorry to hear of your passing & hope that you're at peace now.
    10/07/2024 06:27 pm
    Robyn levithan writes,
    Wishing you a happy bday in heaven!
    01/21/2025 10:26 pm
    Joe Wahl writes,
    Kelly was kind hearted and kept her grace and dignity through difficult circumstances. She is missed by so many who knew her. She is gone but never forgotten.
    02/16/2025 10:21 am
    Sammii lit a candle and writes,
    No memories. I just saw your story on Dateline. Prayers for the family.
    02/23/2025 02:56 pm
    Melissa lit a candle and writes,
    No affiliation, I too saw the Dateline program and you are in my thoughts and prayers. That "ring" should have been yours all along. I'm disappointed and sad with your Moms behavior.
    03/15/2025 02:34 pm
    Melinda Anzelon writes,
    May Kelly RIP. So very sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to the family.
    05/10/2025 07:06 pm
    Shae Nickcole lit a candle and writes,
    I never met Kelly but was able to hear her family story on Dateline. I was sadden at the loss of her brother and even more sadden at the loss of Kelly. May she rest in peace. Praying for her 3 children and her entire family. Grief doesn't have a deadline so I pray that each day builds strength for you all.
    06/30/2025 01:42 am
    Lauren P writes,
    Kelly, You deserved so much better in this world. I am sickened and heartbroken by your passing. You didn’t do anything wrong but love. May you rest in eternal peace and be in the arms of the Lord. I am so so sorry how you were treated and how you were made to feel inside. I have no words. It’s tragic and the news of your passing leaves many many of us unsettled. God Bless you sweet girl. You are beautiful and you are at peace. Finally. Incredibly unfortunate, shameful and so I’m so sad for Kelly and now her children. 🕊️
    06/30/2025 04:06 pm
    Michelle Jamison lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest condolences to your family on your loss. I pray for your continued strength to take one day at a time. I just watched story of an earlier tragedy your family went through. You all are a beautiful family. Continue to love on each other, and hold the memories of those who've transitioned, in your hearts. Blessings to you.
    08/17/2025 09:24 am
    Sarah writes,
    I usually don’t do this but after I saw the update about Kelly on dateline, I felt compelled to. From the very beginning of the show I knew she was innocent. She had a way about her that seemed edgy and straightforward. The second she spoke, she was calm, kind, and made the most sense out of anyone on the show. I resonated deeply and have always been opinionated and a “black sheep” of my family (a bit overlooked compared to siblings) and “too much” for others. My kids are my world and I’d give the shirt off my back for anyone. I feel like this was Kelly- misunderstood…..When a person dies of an overdose, it’s a sad death, much like suicide, which I lost a brother to. No one prepares you for a siblings death, either, so already she had a hard time since they were at odds. She had pain no one knew about because they were too busy pointing fingers. It’s obvious I never knew her but from what I saw of her Mom, I felt the focus was more on her being a suspect than anything else. But sheesh, having a Mom who created a huge rift, especially for national tv- & I can only imagine it was sugar coated, I’m sure tensions were much worse in reality. From spoiling her sibling to stealing her property, Mom should be ashamed. That was the worst ending. If anyone should have had a happy ending, it should have been Kelly. From one mama, sister, and woman to another: You deserved better. May she finally be painless, at peace, and patched up with Joey (adoring each other like carefree kids again).
    08/18/2025 01:24 am
    Jacqueline Beh writes,
    Watching Dateline, Kelly comes across as honest and dear. She’ll be carried in my rosaries 📿 . Bless the children, Lord, please.
    08/31/2025 02:23 am
    Laura Kimball lit a candle and writes,
    I just watched the episode of Dateline and my heart went out to Kelly and what she went through. So sad and shocked to hear she passed away. May she rest in peace.
    11/15/2025 11:03 am
    C Miller lit a candle and writes,
    I just watched the Dateline episode and felt so sad to hear that Kelly died too. I’m so sad for her children. Jameson that was a sweet note. I am happy you forgave her because it is clear that you and your sisters were the loves of her life. Do her proud and stay away from substances. You can break the chain of addiction. It wasn’t her fault. She was heartsick. You are in my prayers
    11/15/2025 07:16 pm
    Denise writes,
    To the Connell family: I did not know Kelly or your family but from dateline. I would like to give my condolences and prayers for you and your family. Losing one child if is numbing two no words speechless I am so sorry for your horrific loss! Mickie you are obviously a strong women knowing you’ll see them again. May John and his family remain close to you n you to them. You will never forget Joe n Kelly and will always carry a piece of them with you! 🩷
    11/18/2025 05:57 am

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