Maureen Anita Kelly

Maureen Anita (Butler) Kelly passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, surrounded by family. Maureen was born in London, England. The youngest of seven, she was a child in wartime London and was among the many child evacuees sent to the countryside after her home was bombed. She carried that early experience of upheaval with quiet strength, later becoming a nurse, where she built a life rooted in care and compassion.

She met the love of her life, Joseph Gerard Kelly (1924-2015), while working as a nurse in London. They married in 1953 after a three month courtship and emigrated from London in 1963, settling in Montreal, QC. They were the perfect balance for each other. Without her, Joe would never have kept himself organized!

Maureen was an incredible mother and made our home the place for all the kids in the neighborhood. “Mrs. Kelly” will be remembered for getting up at 3 a.m. to make midnight snacks for us when we came home late from the Montreal nightlife.

“Nana” was resilient, curious, stoic, and generous. She was incredibly genuine and caring. In her later years, she loved nothing more than a visitor at wine time or a dinner date with her family. She had a way of always finding joy in the mundane, like parking the car (“weeee!”) or eating dinner (“leg’s up!”). She also knew how to throw a great party, excelling in bringing people together.

Maureen experienced so much change in her 94 years and navigated it all with such grace and optimism. She did not judge; rather, she sought to understand. She was living proof that a fulfilling life is created through love and an authentic interest in the people around you.

Maureen is survived by her son Sean, daughter Tara, son-in-law Tim, and grand-children Ellie, Joe and Brigid Milburn. She will also be dearly missed by Dan and Denise O’Brien, Bridget Brandford, Ian and Linda Samuels and Tony and Wai Ling Butler in London. We will honour her memory, just as she lived her life, with small and constant acts of love.

Special thanks to Dr. Paul MacDonald, VON, homecare, the wonderful palliative care nurses and doctors who greatly supported Maureen and her family during this time. A mass at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 17 will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, Sydney with a reception following at the house.