Thelma Irene Kelley

In the early morning hours of December 20th 2015 Thelma, as in her favorite poem, looked back and saw only one set of footprints in the sand as Christ carried her to eternal peace. Her love of family should be an inspiration to all, for she was willing to and often sacrificed whatever was needed for her children. Thelma’s devotion to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was never ending. It wasn’t a tangible item that Thelma strived for her whole life, but well being for her family. Thelma also had an intense love for all creatures big and small. One of her favorite pastimes besides her dogs was Canadian geese. She thought and openly expressed how beautiful they were as they flew over. During her stay in Alabama it wasn’t odd to find an entire loaf of bread gone as she lived in their flight path. The geese are a small way we can always remember her by and try to emulate her kindness as we see them fly over. Even ground hogs were impervious to her nurturing as she befriended and fed one daily in her backyard in New Jersey. She will be missed dearly but all should celebrate her life rather than mourn her passing. She lived her whole life promoting harmony between her children and kindness to all. Thelma’s body has been laid to rest and her soul at eternal peace but if you were lucky enough to know her she will live on in your heart.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Viola Sannasardo. She is survived by her sons, William and Gregory Kelley; daughter, Leslie Tull; brother, Donald Wilson; grandchildren, Austin Kelley, Merritt Kelley and Faith Darden; great grandchildren, Michael Sharp and Amber Batson; and cousin, Anna Armstrong.

The inurnment for Thelma will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to www.alz.org