Patricia Ann Kelly

Born in Worcester MA, she was the daughter of the late James Edward Cunningham and late Helen T. (DeCaire) Cunningham.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Gerard Kelly; her five children, daughter Eileen (Kelly) Alexander, sons, Paul Kelly, Stephen Kelly and Sean Kelly all of Charlotte and daughter Joan (Kelly) Stegall-Smith and her husband Robert of Winnsboro, SC; four grandchildren, Catherine Alexander, Mary Stegall-Smith, Tyler Stegall-Smith and his wife Joanna and Kelsey Stegall-Smith. She is also survived by her brother John P. (Jackie) Cunningham and his wife Cheryl of Leicester, MA in addition to many Nieces and Nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother James J. Cunningham of Worcester, MA and son-in-law James W. Alexander of Charlotte.

The eldest of three children, Patricia grew up in Leicester, Massachusetts. She graduated from Leicester High School. After high school, she attended Worcester State Teacher’s College earning her Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education Degrees. She taught in the Worcester Public School System before beginning her family. Their final move was to Charlotte, NC in 1972, where she continued her education at Winthrop University and University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Patricia started teaching in Massachusetts and finished her career as an Administrator with Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. She worked in many elementary schools within CMS: Plaza Road, Merry Oaks, Villa Heights, Devonshire, Reedy Creek, and Sedgefield Elementaries. Pat loved teaching and she loved working with children. She made many lifelong friends at her schools, especially her Villa Heights group. She volunteered with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Retired School Personnel.

Patricia met Gerard (Jerry) through mutual friends. He asked her to dance and the rest is history. They married in 1958, started a family in 1959, welcoming their oldest Eileen; followed by Paul, Stephen and Joan. Their youngest son Sean was born in Atlanta, GA after moving there in 1966. Their final move was to Charlotte, NC In 1972.

In retirement Pat and Jerry enjoyed many years of travel. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, and volunteering. An active member for 51 years at St Vincent de Paul Parish, she volunteered on many committees, the Bereavement Ministry (organizing funeral receptions), the Women’s Guild (helping with Santa’s Bag) the Altar Guild and ACES Senior Club. She also volunteered at The Shepherd's Center of Charlotte, which provides support for seniors through the Tax Aide Program and SHIIP Program (helping elderly with their medical plans). She was active in the Huntingtowne Farms neighborhood group.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be offered in memory of Patricia to the Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte, St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, or Hospice Palliative Care of Charlotte.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 2pm Friday June 23rd, 2023, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 6828 Old Reid Rd, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to Mass. In celebration, we encourage you to wear the happy colors that she loved so. Interment will follow at the Columbarium on Church grounds with a reception in the Msgr. Pharr Activity Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinvilleChapel.com for the Kelly Family.