Nancy Jeanne Kilburn

Nancy Jeanne (Kelly, Collette) Kilburn, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2020 at Kent County Hospital Warwick Rhode Island.  Born September 6, 1940 in Needham, Massachusetts, “Nani”, as she was known to everyone, lead a life of faithful service to her church, community, and to others in need.  They were the cornerstone of her life.

Her children, Lewis D. Collette, Jr. (deceased), Kevin J. Collette, George F. Collette, Wendy M. (Collette) Rodas, Mary Jeanne (Collette) Karn, Holly Mae (Kilburn) Deal and Patrick M. Kilburn, were always in awe of her generosity and dedication.  Nani was the “great listener” who reminded us all that we are blessed by God’s Grace – that opportunity to try again when we feel we have failed.  Her compassionate smile and bright blue eyes comforting to all who knew her.

Her greatest joy – her grandchildren who she gushed with pride about to everyone who would ask – Melissa J. Rodas, Geoffrey Collette, Luis Rodas, Joshua Collette, Rachel Rodas, Sarah (Karn) Pagano, Heather (Collette) Leva , Molly Collette, and Dylan Collette and her two great grandchildren all have stories of their “Nani”.

Nani loved the sea and was always ready for an adventure insisting that someone take her for a ride to the ocean during any storm so she could hear the waves crashing on the shore and smell the sea.  Her granddaughter, Melissa, gave her a beautiful piece of art that Nani cherished – the quote on the art reads – “My love affair with water runs deep through my soul and the serenity as intense as the tides ebb and flow”.  She proudly displayed this piece of art in her house so everyone could view.

She “lived” her life and laughed often at herself when trying something and failing.   Her life was an example of a saying she displayed in her living room where she warmly welcomed anyone – “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring”.

Simple and modest, Nani’s wishes were to have a memorial service.  The service will be held in the Spring 2021 at the Prayer Garden, Quidnessett Cemetery, North Kingstown RI. Her ashes to be scattered in the Garden dedicated to all Mothers.  A date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation to Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, 6365 Post Road North Kingstown, RI 02865 for the perpetual care of the Garden or to Ten Lives Cat Rescue at their website tenlivescatrescue.org.

Nani ended every phone call, text message or visit with “Love you, Bye”.  She says that to all who knew her now.