Obituary of Carolyn K. Barney
Carolyn Konecny Barney, affectionately known as Kelly to most, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 20, 2021 in the comfort of her home where she proudly resided for almost 50 years. Born in Bridgeport, CT on January 9, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Sally Dybowski Konecny and sister of Alan Konecny.
She and her brother were raised by loving parents on a small farm in Monroe, CT. She attended Masuk High School and went on to Springfield College in Massachusetts, where she was a member of the college's traveling gymnastics exhibition team and where she met her first love and husband Leon Mackiewicz. She later went on to earn a double Masters degree.
Kelly worked in private and public schools at home and abroad (through the International School System) as a teacher, coach, and guidance counselor. She especially loved her four years spent in Lebanon teaching and coaching gymnastics at the American Community School in Beirut where they took their own gymnastic exhibition team to perform in Germany, England, and Italy. She and her husband Leon traveled extensively from Scandinavia to Egypt and all the countries in between.
In 1970, they moved to London, England where their daughter Mya was born. Soon afterwards, they moved back to the United States and had a son, Lee Alexander. They lived on a small gentleman's farm in Shelton, CT where they raised their children. They ran a successful gymnastics club for many years. Kelly also taught physical education and art, and was a guidance counselor. She later married her second husband Bill Barney and continued teaching and coaching.
During retirement, she devoted herself to her children and grandchildren. She cherished having more time to spend with friends. She was also able to do more traveling (including Alaska, Australia and China) and loved learning and meeting new people everywhere she went.
She had many talents and loved travel, art, photography, music, dance, books, gardening, sailing, skiing, animals, and in general, living life to its fullest and always enjoyed a good debate. She was very much loved and a teacher and inspiration to many people around the world.
Kelly was a remarkable person who was extremely dedicated to her family. She gave freely to propel those she loved to get ahead. She seemed to always have a smile and an encouraging word. Kelly always wanted the best for everyone, many times sacrificing to help others. Her generosity and steadfast commitment were why so many cherished her friendship. All who knew Kelly well would agree on some of these characteristics to best describe her – loving, caring, patient, dedicated, funny, thoughtful, smart, athletic, creative and helpful.
Survivors include her two loving children, Mya King and her husband Michael of Newtown and Alex Mackiewicz and his wife Ashley of Fairfield, and four cherished grandchildren, Alex and Matthew King and Emmy and Xander Mackiewicz.
A memorial service celebrating Kelly’s life will take place at a later date in the spring at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT.