Kelly Duda

Sunrise March 3, 1979 - Sunset May 30, 2024

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Kelly (Hewitt) Duda, a treasured wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, at the age of 45, on May 30, 2024. Kelly was a creative spirit, and a cherished member of the Tiverton, Rhode Island community. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and generosity that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Kelly was born in Freehold, NJ. Despite spending her adult life in New England, she stayed true to her Jersey girl roots, embracing her down-to-earth nature and fiercely loyal spirit. Kelly graduated from Northeastern University with a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. She began her career at Meeting Street School in RI which sparked her lifelong dedication to enriching the lives of children and families through her work, community involvement and personal life.

Kelly and Eric's love story began in Boston, MA. They got engaged while ice skating on Frog Pond and were married overlooking the White Mountains in Campton, NH on August 19, 2006. Together, they made Tiverton, RI their home to raise their sons, Evan and Nick. Kelly's incredible home cooking filled with love and flavors always brought joy to her sons and husband turning every meal into a cherished celebration. As a family, they loved sharing these gourmet dining experiences with friends and loved ones.

As a devoted mother, Kelly's greatest joy in life was raising her children. She poured her heart into every moment, creating a nurturing and loving environment filled with creativity, fun, and endless support. She naturally turned ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Her children's lives are a testament to her dedication, love, and unyielding spirit. She shared with them her passions for all animals, The Simpsons, the ocean, beach vacations in Chincoteague, VA; keeping only her passions for 90s rap music and Stephen King novels for herself.

It did not take long for Kelly to become a true pillar of the Tiverton community, Kelly dedicated countless hours to volunteering. Her creativity knew no bounds. Kelly was an avid crafter, always working on a new project or coming up with innovative ideas to share with her community. Her home was filled with vibrant colors, handmade decorations, and an unmistakable sense of warmth and joy. Her great sense of humor and infectious laughter brought light to every room she entered, making everyone feel welcome and cherished.

In addition to a wide circle of friends, cousins, and extended family, Kelly's spirit lives on in her husband Eric, her loving children, Evan and Nick of Tiverton, RI; her father, William Hewitt; mother, Diane Hewitt; brother, Billy Hewitt, sissy Lindy Hewitt, sissy Amy (Katelynn) Hewitt of NJ; father-in-law Tom and mother-in-law Judy Duda, brother-in-law Seth (Mara) Duda of NH; brother-in-law, Ryan Duda and "name twin" sister-in-law, Kelly Duda of MA. Kelly was a dedicated Auntie to Lucas, Jacob, Maxwell and Nolan.

Rest in peace, Kelly. You are so loved and will be so deeply missed.

Services for Kelly will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871, with visiting hours from 3:00 - 5:00 PM, immediately followed by a brief prayer service at 5:00 in the funeral home. Afterwards, family and friends are invited to honor Kelly's memory and share stories of the joy she brought into their lives at Bittersweet Farm, 438 Main Rd., Westport, MA 02790.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Kelly Duda Arts Education Scholarship Fund, https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-kelly-duda-arts-education-scholarship-fund  Checks can be made out to CORE Organization, memo designation: Kelly Duda Arts Education Scholarship Fund and sent to 156 Highland Road in Tiverton, RI.