Joan Dolores (nee Barton) Kelety died peacefully on October 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas at the age of ninety years. Joan Kelety was born on September 14, 1929 in Queens, New York to Harold and Regina Barton. On full scholarship, she graduated from New York State Teachers College New Paltz in 1950 with a degree in education. She began teaching elementary school immediately after graduation. She was a lifetime member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). In 1952, Joan married Robert Kelety, a Merchant Marine officer, introduced by a mutual friend. With the advent of the Korean War, Bob Kelety activated his commission in the US Navy. The newly married couple moved to San Francisco, California. During this period, Joan work for the phone company as a statistician. After the war, Bob and Joan Kelety moved to Queens, New York. The Kelety family eventually lived in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Her children remember her as a tender and loving mother who excelled at cooking and home economics, read voraciously, and encouraged them to pursue sports, music, advanced education, spiritual enrichment and professional goals. Joan Kelety was exceedingly proud to be a mother and proud of her Irish heritage. Bob and Joan Kelety retired to Sun City, Texas in 1995. Joan Kelety was an accomplished bridge player and won tournaments throughout her life and into her 80s. She was an active and dedicated member of the Santa Rosa de Lima Roman Catholic Church in Andice, Texas. Her husband of 65 years, CDR Robert Kelety USNR (ret), as well as her parents, and younger brother Colonel Gerard Barton USAF (ret) precede her in death. Joan Kelety is survived by her children, Mona-Marie Kelety of Humble, Texas, Roberta Anne Hennigan of Liverpool, New York, John T. Kelety of Spring, Texas, CAPT Stephen Zoltan Kelety USN (ret) of San Diego, California, Renee Gerette Kelety of Austin, Texas, and Colette Ilona Puckett of Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2019 with rosary service at 10:30 a.m. and funeral mass at 11 a.m. at Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Community 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring Texas 77379. The committal service will follow at 1 p.m. the Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston Texas 77038. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joan Kelety’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Great Pyrenees Rescue, 1602 Hill Top Lane, Kingwood Texas 77339. Joan’s son John Kelety assists with rescues. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Loving Care Cottages and Blue Bonnet Palliative Care for their great care in her final days.
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