Margaret Kelly Regan passed Thursday, December 5, 2013, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Marge was the daughter of James and Margaret McMahon-Kelly, born on August 6, 1933 in New Haven, CT. Her beloved brother and sister James Kelly and Elizabeth Deustch, preceded her in death. Marge attended St. Raphael’s School of Nursing and worked as an RN for more than 50 years. She was instrumental in started hospice in Branford, the first free standing hospice in the U.S. Marge was the first Director of Nursing there for 10 years. She stayed on as Nursing Supervisor for the evening shift for more than 10 years. Marge was a generous and brave soul who enjoyed doing home health care in New Haven. One story she shared was the time she walked into a gun fight and was accidentally shot at. She wasn’t hit, and saved the bullet for good luck. Marge settled in East Haven with the love of her life, her husband Francis, who predeceased her in 2007. She married Francis on May 25, 1957, and they had 50 years of wedding bliss. While residing in East Haven she started an agency known as Human Services. One of the many services it offered was a hotline for troubled teens. She also was instrumental in started the coffee house named Creation, which served as a drop in center for troubled youth. Marge also opened her home to any youth who had no place to stay. She was a very kind and generous woman. Marge is survived by her children: Martin Regan of Wallingford, Loretta Regan of California, Francis Regan and his wife Theresa of Florida, Jane Regan of East Haven and James Regan of Branford. She was sadly predeceased by Marin’s wife, Michelle in 2011. She was also survived by her grandchildren: Martin’s children: Amanda, Katie, April and Emily; Loretta’s Children: Ashley, Aaron, Courtney; Francis’ Child: Evan; and James’ Children: Jimmy and Angela. Also survived by one great-grandchild, Courtney’s son Nehemiah. Marge worked in geriatric and home health care for over 50 years and in one way or another was always caring for and helping people. We will miss you mom, we love you always.

Relatives and friends are invited to go directly to St. Barnabas Church, on Monday morning at 10:00 for a memorial mass. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 3 to 7 in North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405