Jo-Ann Kelly

Jo-Ann Kelly, lovingly known as "Jo" passed away on May 3, 2026 at the age of 79, surrounded by family and close friends. Jo-Ann was a resident at the Hillsborough County Nursing Home in Goffstown, where she resided for 9 years following a major stroke. Born on September 11, 1946 in Manchester, she was the daughter of the late Josephine E. Kelly & Charles C. Kelly and grew up on the West Side.

Jo-Ann graduated from Saint Patrick Grammar School & Saint Joseph High School for Girls, class of 1964. She was a "people person", made many friends at Saint Jo's, and stayed in touch with them up until the end.

Jo-Ann began her working career at a large, Regional Insurance Company and became an "Underwriter" and stayed for many years. She moved on to "Hospitality" and spent her final working years at the "Yard" restaurant. She loved people and was a customer favorite, along with staff & Management.

Jo-Ann loved travel & cruises with friends & her cousin Gail.

A recently discovered school essay publication from St. Joe's senior class will let Jo-Ann tell you a little about herself:

"Poverty is Not Necessarily a Handicap"

Poverty in some cases can be a virtue. More often than not, poverty-stricken people live better Christian lives than those who are wealthier. People who are poor have to work harder for what little they get, and when they do get it, they are often more thankful.

We all have crosses to bear. If ours is poverty, then we should take it in good faith and not consider it as a handicap, for it is not necessarily so. In many cases the poverty-stricken family has closer ties than other families, all helping one another. Love and warmth is more important in a family than a nice car or Paris originals. A family with money may tend to look more to the material side of life than to the spiritual. Though poverty is sometimes hard to bear, if we endure it as cheerfully as possible, a far richer and greater life will be our reward.

Jo-Ann Kelly, '64

Jo-Ann is survived by two brothers, Ronald of Florida, John of Manchester, her Best friend Lorraine Bailey of Manchester, cousin Gail Riely of Wakefield, Ma. and countless close friends.

Special Thanks to the Nurses & Staff at HCNH for their outstanding, compassionate care for over 9 years. Special note of thanks to long time "Best Friend" Lorraine Bailey & high school classmate Cecilia Loiselle (Lesmerises) who helped make Jo-Ann's final days as comfortable as possible.

To know her was to love her and her caring heart, once a friend, always a friend!

There was a small, informal, wonderful send off at HCNH for the nurses, staff, residents and invited close friends, put on by Marlene Dalton, Lorraine & friends.

There will be a private burial event in the future where Jo-Ann will join her Mother in eternal rest.