Ellen Marie Kelley

Ellen Marie Kelley, 94, of Milford, beloved wife of the late John Kelley, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on October 20, 2018. Born on January 12, 1924 in Ashford, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late James and Omie Barker.

Marie is survived by her children, John Kelley and Donna (Shawn) Carroll; grandchildren, John (Kristen) Kelley, Corinne Cartwright (Thomas “TJ’ Larivee), and Tyler Cartwright; great grandchildren, Shae Rose and John Kelley; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Marie was predeceased by her daughter, Tina Marie Stevens; and siblings, Basil, Herbert, Arthur, James, Leonard, James-Arthur, Ida Virginia, Corinne, and Edith Mae.

Marie was a doting wife to her husband John for 40 years. They were a loving couple. Always a kiss hello and goodbye. They still held hands when they walked. She took her marriage vows to heart, especially the part of in sickness and in health. She was his rock and he was hers. She stayed by his side insuring his every need was met until his death. He remained her one and only until her death. 

She was also a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor. Her passion was her family; but being a grandmother and great grandmother AKA “Maw Maw” was her real joy. You did not have to be born into her family to be her family as Zach, Alex, and Gabby Attolino and Ella Kuhar can attest to. It was always an adventure when you spent time with MawMaw! She read countless stories, played endless games of hide and seek, cards and board games. She always relented to her grandchildren’s demands “one more time!” She was hands down the reigning Yahtzee champion! Not to be forgotten the countless hours she would spend coloring till her fingers were numb, and yes their artwork was displayed proudly on her refrigerator.

She was close with her mother and siblings and their families no matter the distance. She cherished her yearly visits to West Virginia and Virginia to get her dose of hometown goodness with her much loved family. Equally as important to her was spending time with family that lived close by.

Marie enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. Good southern comfort food was her specialty. Her country breakfast could not be rivaled by any diner stateside. It was never a chore for her. There was always room at her table and more than enough food. To share a meal at Marie’s table was a treat!

Marie had a wide circle of friends. She was generous, funny, and the one you could count on to answer the phone in the middle of the night and helped with whatever you needed. She absolutely loved and enjoyed her weekly BINGO outings. She would arrive early with her grocery bag donations and a little treat for her table. She would get down to business setting up her station with her good luck charms and a banquet table length of cards. Apparently those good luck charms worked because she won more than not. In true fashion she always shared her winnings!

She will be missed by all she touched for her caring ways, her sense of humor, and kindness. Most of all her beautiful blue eyes that always made you feel special when she smiled at you. In closing, although she could not say this she would want to thank everyone who cared for her in these past years especially her devoted son, John. May she rest in peace.

A Graveside Service will be celebrated on Monday, October 29, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1&utm_expid=.ci_cDeyZTLGDnXJcR28lgg.0&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fact.alz.org%2Fsite%2FPageServer

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