Barbarene Brown Kelly

Barbarene was born in Long Beach, California to Glenn Brown and Inez Noonan Brown on May 6, 1931. She became a proud older sister when her sister, Regis, was born in 1935. After graduating from Banning High School in Wilmington, California, Barbarene attended Queen of Angels College of Nursing in Los Angeles and graduated in May 1952. Throughout her career, she worked in several capacities as a nurse, including general patient care, orthopedics, and in many operating rooms as a charge nurse. She retired from nursing in 1996, finishing her career at the former Northern Virginia Doctors Hospital.

Barbarene married Lt. Thomas R. Kelly, Sr. (USMC) on December 26, 1953. Together, they had three children, Karen, Thomas, Jr, and Timothy and lived around the country before settling in Fairfax, Virginia. After retirement, Barbarene enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe and the British Virgin Islands. She also enjoyed her beloved crossword puzzles and playing bridge with her many friends at the Green Acres Senior Center in Fairfax. Fondly known as “Pinky,”, she had a special place in her heart for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Pinky” will always be remembered as a wonderful, creative cook and a gracious hostess who made any guest feel welcome and special.

Barbarene is preceded in death by her husband, Col. Thomas R. Kelly, Sr. (USMC), her parents, Glenn and Inez Noonan Brown, her sister, Regis Brown Rathburn, and her daughter, Karen Kelly Larsen.

Barbarene is survived by her sons, Thomas, Jr. (Lynn) of Boise, Idaho, and Timothy (Kim) of Reston, Virginia and her grandchildren, Dane (Penny), Anne, Sean, Cameron, and Katherine as well as her great-grandchildren, Erin and Mackenzie.

Visitation and Rosary will be from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main St., Fairfax, Virginia. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 10, 2023, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 3700 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, Virginia. She will be buried with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery later this year. Arrangements are by Demaine Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbarene’s memory may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or a charity of your choice.