Kelly Marie Astone, despite the challenges of having special needs, brought immeasurable joy, love, and a sense of community to all who knew her. She passed away on April 13, 2026, at the age of 38.

Kelly was born in Waltham and was a lifelong resident of Burlington. As a young child, she was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects girls and causes severe impairments in communication, cognitive ability, and motor skills, including the loss of purposeful hand use and speech.

From the very beginning, Kelly's family rallied around her, ensuring not only that she was cared for, but that she was surrounded by endless love, affection, and advocacy. They dedicated themselves to giving Kelly the very best life possible.

Kelly attended the LABBB Educational Collaborative in Lexington until the age of 22. She later participated in the Minuteman Arc day program in Concord for the past sixteen years, and for the past four years had been part of the Edinburg Center group home community. The staff members at each of these places had a profound impact on Kelly's life, both physically and emotionally. Her family will be forever grateful to all those who cared for Kelly with such compassion, kindness, and love. Her PCA's, especially Annemarie, Danielle and Anne were like extended family members and became an important part of Kelly's life.

Although Kelly was nonverbal, she had a remarkable way of communicating. A smile, a laugh, or simply a certain look could express exactly what she was feeling or wanted. As a child, she would crawl throughout the family home, and as she grew older, she became more ambulatory and independent in her own way.

Kelly found happiness in life's simplest pleasures. She loved taking walks after dinner with her father, riding shotgun on car rides, visiting playgrounds, and swinging as high as she possibly could. She enjoyed Disney World trips with the LABB program, but instead of the "kiddie" rides, preferred roller coasters and other thrill rides. Kelly loved food and had strong opinions about meals, with pizza being one of her favorites. She was never particularly interested in toys, preferring instead to engage with the people around her. She loved funny faces and could be quite the flirt when she wanted to be.

Kelly taught those around her that joy could be found in the simple moments of everyday life, in accomplishments no matter how big or small, and in the excitement of new experiences. Caring for Kelly was never seen as a burden, but rather as a gift.

Kelly was the heart, glue, and bond of her family. She brought them closer together and taught them to focus on what truly matters in life. Through Kelly, her family became stronger, more spiritual, more compassionate, less selfish, and kinder to others. She had an extraordinary ability to bring out the very best in those around her.

It was truly remarkable how someone so dependent on others and unable to speak could create such strength, love, and connection within her family and community. Kelly was a very special gift, and her passing leaves all who knew and loved her with heavy hearts.

Kelly was the beloved daughter of Frank and Rhoda Astone of Burlington. She was the much-loved sister of Tony Astone of Somerville and Katie Astone of Burlington. She was the cherished aunt of Vanessa. Kelly was the granddaughter of the late Philip and Irene Astone and Joseph and Bernice Doucette. She was the special niece of Susan Chaney; Philip and Beth Astone; Kathleen Tarasuik; Roberta Fowler; Betsy McLean; Andrea and Al Valletta; Carney Doucette; Cynthia Doucette, the late Joseph Doucette, Jr.; Gina & Raymond Driscoll; Kenneth Fowler; and Kenneth McLean. Kelly is also survived by many loving cousins, caregivers, and friends whose lives were forever touched by her presence.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, April 19 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington.  Funeral Services will be held at the Sullivan Funeral Home on Monday, April 20 at 11 a.m.  Relatives and friends are all respectfully invited to attend.

Memorials in Kelly's name may be made to the special organizations that contributed to her wonderful care.  The LABBB Educational Collaborative, in memory of Kelly Astone, 70 Blanchard Rd, Suite 206, Burlington, MA 01803, Minuteman Arc, www.minutemanarc.org , 35 Forest Ridge Road Concord, MA 01742, and the Edinburg Center, www.edinburgcenter.org , 205 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA 01730.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net