Joan Theresa Kelly

A visitation for Joan will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759. A funeral service will take place from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. A committal service will follow on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759.

Joan Theresa Waldron Kelly, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 22, 2024, in Spring Hill, Florida, at the age of 94. Born on September 30, 1929, in New York, New York, Joan was the daughter of Martin Waldron and Bridget Creighton Waldron, who immigrated from Ireland in the early 1900s.

Joan’s life was marked by warmth, compassion, and unwavering love. She was married on October 15, 1950, and shared 56 beautiful years of marriage with her soulmate, Christopher J Kelly. Together, they raised five children: Patricia Hatfield, Steven, Christopher, Thomas, and Maureen Jones. Joan’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family; she was a cherished sister to Mary Rogan, Catherine Acconzo, and brother John Waldron. She is survived by her sons-in-law James Hatfield Jr, Thomas Jones, and daughter-in-law Jackie Pasternak. In addition, by grandchildren and spouses Mehgan and Daniel Gingerich, James and Christine Hatfield, Christopher and Kyla Kelly, Michael and Carrie Kelly, Brian and Jessica Kelly.

Joan and Christopher spent four decades in Nanuet, New York, creating a home filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. In 1994, they retired to Spring Hill, Florida, where they enjoyed 16 wonderful years together. Christopher passed away at the age of 80, and their son Thomas in the same year in 2016.

As a grandmother and great-grandmother, Joan’s heart overflowed with love for her ten grandchildren: Catherine Hatfield, Meghan Hatfield, James Hatfield III, Christopher Kelly, Michael Kelly, Brian Kelly, Connor Jones, Kelly Jones, Ryan Jones, and John Kelly. She had the joy of being a great-grandmother to Caroline Hatfield, James Hatfield IV, Fiona Hatfield, Nora Kelly, Margaret Kelly (May 2024), Palmer Kelly, Reese Kelly, Clayton Gingerich, and Dale Gingerich.

Joan’s legacy lives on through the generations she touched, and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she gave so freely to others.