Obituary of Kellie Sherlock

Kellie Sherlock, wife of Alan Haughton, mother of Max (8) and Grace (6), died on Friday 8th April after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 38 years old. A Darien resident since 2005, Kellie was a loving wife and mother, a model daughter and sister, a kind and generous friend, and an accomplished business professional and academic. She managed to balance it all with a grace, humor and understated determination that earned her the love and admiration of family and friends alike. Kellie was born in Manchester, England the younger of two daughters to Graham and Pauline Sherlock. A standout scholar, she graduated from Leeds University with a first class honors degree and, later, a PhD, in psychology. Her academic achievements were quickly followed by success in business, where she spent 12 years with the multinational company Unilever. It was during her doctoral research work that she met and fell in love with Alan, whom she married in 2001. Alan and Kellie had their first child, Max, in 2002, with Grace following 2 years later. Sharing an expansive outlook on life, they made a great team and it was no surprise in 2005 when they jumped at the chance to start a new chapter of life with Unilever in the U.S. With her red hair, razor sharp sense of humor and 'no nonsense', northern England sensibility, Kellie had a distinctive, reassuring presence about her. People warmed to her naturally and she formed lasting friendships wherever she went. When she was not working, she loved the simple things; socializing with friends over endless cups of tea, picnics on the beach, hosting dinner parties or watching Max and Grace play sports. Kellie and Alan never lost touch with their family and friends back in England, their house in Darien becoming a Manchester outpost for many of them. She tackled her illness and the grueling treatment regimes with the same strength, determination and self-deprecating humor that carried her so successfully through life. Although there is a deep sense of loss and profound sadness at her passing, those of us lucky enough to have been close to her will be grateful for the time we shared and find inspiration in her uncomplicated generosity, spirit and kindness. She is greatly missed. A service to celebrate Kellie's life will be held at First Congregational Church on Monday, May 2nd at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Challenge (www.ctchallenge.kintera.org/kelliesherlock, or by check to Connecticut Challenge, P.O. Box 566, Southport, CT 06890) or Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital (www.mskcc.com). Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820