Christine M. Wellins

CHESHIRE- Christine Mary Wellins, 74, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022 at Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden surrounded by her loving husband, son and daughter. She was the wife of Neal B. Wellins.

Chris was born April 24, 1948, in New Britain, CT, daughter of the late John (“Jack”) E. and Eileen (Flynn) O’Keefe. Chris graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy in 1966 and Duquesne University in 1970 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in teaching, and from Southern Connecticut State University in 1977 with a Master’s Degree in education. Chris was a teacher for 30 years in New Haven, primarily at East Rock Magnet School, where she met her husband, Neal.

Chris lived in Cheshire for 39 years with her husband and devoted her life to her family. She enjoyed traveling with her family, and caring for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed having lunch and playing cards with her many close friends.

In addition to her husband, Chris leaves behind her son, Matthew (Tricia) Wellins of Branford, her daughter, Eileen (Brian) Barnes of Plainville, her sisters, Katherine (Donald) DiFrancesca of Groton Long Point and E. Flynn O’Keefe (J.B. Norris) of Voluntown, and her brother, Sean (Linda) O’Keefe of Newington. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Jack and Haley Wellins and Emily Barnes. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Chris was predeceased by brother-in-law James Godbout and sister-in-law, Edwina Glassman.

Arrangements: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, August 15, 2022 from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street. Following visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Becket Church, 435 North Brooksvale Road, Cheshire. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. Memorial contributions, in Chris’ name, may be made to New Haven Schools Foundation at https://www.thegreatgive.org/organizations/new-haven-promise.