Mary Hulse Kelly

Mary Hulse Kelly stepped out of earth into heaven on June 13, 2012, five weeks and one day after the death of her husband, Olive, the love of her life. Today they are reunited again in heaven. In over 57 years of marriage, they have only spent a few nights away from one another (unless due to hospital or rehab visits in their later years).

She is survived by her son Doug Kelly and wife Mona; daughter Kathy Duncan and husband Kent; daughter Beth Ferrell and husband David. She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Romantic music from our Mother’s era, Wind Song cologne, shiny jewels, flowers, sunshine, and good ol’ Southern cooking are some of the things that our Mother loved best. Tomato sandwiches eaten by the pool on a hot summer’s day was a common occurrence at the Kelly home. Our Mom loved tanning in the sun and loved floating in her pool. She thoroughly enjoyed her gazebo and large screened in porch where the family ate their meals and watched TV. Both the gazebo and porch were extensions of the family living space.

Summer plants will always remind us of our Mom. She loved to have fresh flower arrangements throughout her home. Variegated Aucuba shrub branches were often the staple to her beautiful flower arrangements (even if they were the only plant in the vase). Magnolias, Gardenias, Daffodils, and Roses were always enjoyed in and around the Kelly home. She also treasured family heirlooms and made sure that each of her children received pieces from their ancestors as well.

Pepsi cola, potato sticks, chips & dip, cheese balls, ginger tea, chocolate, salsa, fresh fried fish, and all things veggie will forever be associated with our Mom. These were just staples that were always around during our childhood.

Just like most women, our Mother enjoyed shopping trips on Saturdays – even if “window” shopping. She loved giving presents to her family -- especially at Christmas. She had a way of making a little seem like a whole lot! Christmas was her favorite holiday and though she died in June, she had wanted her daughters to decorate her house for Christmas the past couple of months.

In her younger years, she was a cheerleader at Durham High School and also played the piano at Asbury Methodist Church in Durham, NC. After her children were born, she worked hard to help support her family. She spent many years working for UNC Hospital, then for the University of North Carolina. She worked every shift needed over her career. She enjoyed her early retirement years as she and our Father drove around Jordan Lake in their Jeep. They both were very proud of the hard work they had put into their yard. It brought much joy to them and others.

Since the death of our Dad, she has been ready to join him in heaven. Though we rejoice that she is happy now, selfishly we will miss her and the ability to go back to our family home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wisdom Healthcare Solutions, 3622 Shannon Road, Durham, NC 27707 or Community Hospice of Cary, 7714 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Online memorials: www.apexfuneral.net