Obituaries

Kathleen “Kay” Ann Ellis (Saporita), born on June 5, 1942, in Westerly, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on March 21, 2025, in Rudyard, Michigan.

Kay was married to Ronald “Pete” Thomas Sr., for sixty wonderful years. She was a beloved mother to Ronald Ellis Jr., and Kyle Ellis, a cherished grandmother to Holly Saad and Atticus Ellis, and a proud great-grandmother to Hudson and Beckett Saad. She is also remembered by her siblings Dee Dee, Johnny, Tony, and Jimmy, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Kay dedicated her career to Waterford Public Schools in Connecticut before retiring in 2011. In 2023, she moved to Rudyard, Michigan, to be with family. Kay’s faith in God was central to her life and guided everything she did. She was a proud member of St. Joseph’s Church in Rudyard.

Kay found joy in gathering with her dominoes group, playing cards, working on diamond art and crossword puzzles, cooking Italian meals and caring for animals. Her love for animals was well know – she adored her two cats, Wiggles and Wrangler, an had a special talent for nursing injured birds back to health.

Kay will be laid to rest alongside her husband, at the St. Sebastian Cemetery in Westerly, Rhode Island at a future date. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.