Anne Kelly

Anne (Slavin) Kelly of Pembroke, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at the age of 88 years old.  Anne was a loving wife to her late husband, the mother of five, the grandmother of four, and a dear friend to so many.

Anne was a third generation Cape Codder, where she found her love for the ocean and surrounded herself with lifelong friends.  Anne grew up in Hyannis, graduated from Barnstable High School in 1953, and pursued a nursing degree at Malden Nursing School where she graduated in 1956.  She married her high school sweetheart, Brooks Kelly, in 1957 and embarked on a lifetime journey of adventures and new discoveries.  

Anne worked as a nurse in Pennsylvania hospitals while she and Brooks began their life together in Pittsburgh while he completed his college degree.  Upon returning to Massachusetts, Anne worked in numerous hospitals on the South Shore, eventually retiring from Plymouth County Hospital in Hanson, MA in 1987 after completing 31 years of nursing service.  Anne treated her patients with dignity and grace, while sharing her wit and sense of humor with anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her along the way. 

Anne and Brooks settled in Pembroke in 1961 where they raised their five children.  Both Anne and Brooks were very active in the community; volunteering in town and supporting each other in their civic activities both local and abroad. You would see Anne’s wide-reaching support at a viewing stand watching over a local parade, organizing the town fish fry, or traveling overseas to help develop three sister city relationships between Plymouth, England, Pembroke, Wales, and Shichigahama, Japan.

Anne’s love for travel was limitless.  She and Brooks took advantage of all travel opportunities they could find and their travels spanned the globe including camping in St. John, Virgin Islands, sailing in Caracas, Venezuela, visiting numerous European and Asian countries, as well as cruising to Bermuda and Alaska.  Her favorite destination by far was Anguilla, where she enjoyed the natural and unspoiled beauty of the Caribbean for many winters while forming lasting friendships with locals and fellow travelers. 

She had a sharp mind, independent spirit, a good listening ear, and a fun light spirited way that she carried with her. Anne was charitable in many ways, often sharing her hand knit hats and mittens at Christmas time with family and those in need.  She was a people person and was more often than not the life of the party.  People openly shared stories with Anne, whether solicited or not, knowing that she would bring her own charm to the tale. She was also a person who did not tolerate any kind of drama;  she sought out the facts, made a plan, and executed it while making adjustments along the way.

Anne had a strong artistic talent with fiber art. In addition to knitting countless sweaters, scarves, and hats she had a love and skill-set for rug hooking. She created her own designs and dyed her own wool to make her pieces unique and beautiful.  

Anne loved her role as grandmother and she was in constant communication with her grandchildren,

staying up to date with their latest stories and activities. Above all, her greatest love was her family – her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. She received such joy nurturing and watching everyone grow to adulthood. 

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Amy and Richard Slavin, her husband of 55 years Brooks Kelly, her siblings Alice, Daniel, Claire, Dick, Paul, and Jerry, and her special dog, Willie.  Anne was the loving mother of Terry and Ken Johnson of Pembroke, Brian and Michaele Kelly of Lewisburg, PA, Glenn Kelly of Falmouth, Amy Kelly and Stephen Yurewicz of Halifax, and Kevin Kelly of Pembroke. She was grandmother and an inspiration to Gregory Johnson and his fiance Laura, Brendan Johnson and his partner Amanda, and Amanda Kelly and Sean Kelly. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and relatives, and will be remembered by scores of friends.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 9:00AM – 10:30AM at Sullivan Funeral Home in Hanson, MA – 2 Maquan Street.  A funeral mass will begin at 11:00AM at Holy Apostles Church – St. Joseph the Worker in Hanson – 1 Maquan Street. Burial to follow at Pembroke Center Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks people to perform a random act of kindness in Anne’s honor or donate to a charity of your choice.  Let peace transcend.