Joan M. Kelley

Joan Marie (Gibney) Kelley, 89, formerly of Old Warren Rd. in Swansea, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2022. In her final days she was surrounded by the presence and spirits of family and friends.

Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Charles Edward and Drusilla Mable (Slater) Gibney, Joan was one of six daughters. Together they enjoyed numerous family gatherings with their brood of children.

Prior to working as a paraprofessional in the Fall River School Department, Joan worked as an aide in a preschool program for the Fall River Association for Retarded Citizens. She was an advocate and fundraiser for children with special needs and in particular for children diagnosed with Prader Willie Syndrome. Joan cherished the many years she worked with her colleagues and friends at Spencer Borden Elementary School. She shared those memories through stories and photos with her family, friends, and staff at the Sarah Brayton Nursing Center.

Joan was an avid walker and loyal Patriots fan. She enjoyed having fun and spending countless hours at the beach and in the sun. A lover of everything Irish, she fulfilled her dream of visiting Ireland with family. A highlight for her was when she reached the top of the Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone.

Joan’s most beloved role was that of mother and grandmother. She was proud of her family and cherished each visit, holiday and event spent with them.

Joan is predeceased by her husband, Kenneth J. Kelley; her daughter, Colleen Kelley; sisters, Margaret Denton, Irene Conroy, Drusilla Boyes and Marilyn Medeiros; daughter-in-law, Denise Kelley and son-in-law, Jon Pomfret. She leaves one sister, Maureen Harnett of Middleboro, MA. She lovingly leaves four sons, Daniel Kelley (spouse Karen) of Little Compton, RI, Robert Kelley of La Cruces, NM, Kenneth Kelley of Wareham, Richard Kelley (spouse Nancy) of Swansea; one daughter, Joanne Pomfret of Rehoboth; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her family and friends now have peace that “the blessing of light is upon her.”

Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Dominic’s Church, 1277 G.A.R. Highway, Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Swansea. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.