Martha Kelly

Martha Kelly, beloved, faithful, kind-hearted, and thoughtful, passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 101. Born December 26, 1924, in New Albany, Indiana, Martha carried her quiet strength and steady grace through a long life marked by devotion to family, faith, and community. She was a longtime Bucks County resident since 1952.

Martha met her husband Syd in high school, and they were married in 1943 in New Orleans, right before he went to WWII. Their marriage and family life became the center of her world, and the love she poured into those closest to her was constant and enduring. During World War II, Syd deployed with his Railroad unit to India, while Martha worked for Western Union, doing her part in a time that asked much of everyone.

They moved from Indiana to Fairless Hills for Syd’s new job at US Steel in 1952. They moved into their newly built home in Levittown in 1958. After raising Mary Jo and David, she worked for Rider College, continuing a life of dependable service and purpose.

A woman of very strong religious faith, Martha was very active within Harriman United Methodist Church in Bristol, PA and was the oldest member. Her faith was not simply something she held—it was something she lived, in the way she showed up, cared, and remained present for others. She especially enjoyed her membership in the United Methodist Women’s Group.

Martha enjoyed crocheting blankets for family and friends and baking apple pies. She was a big fan of reading Amish books and doing crossword puzzles. She also collected Pig figurines of all sizes. In her last years she loved car rides looking for deer and dogs being walked. She did water aerobics for many years where she met wonderful friends, The ‘Pool Ladies’ no longer swim, but enjoy a weekly lunch together, that she loved and looked forward to.

Martha was predeceased by her parents, James Claude and Mary Barker Baggerly; her husband, Sydney, of 57 years; her son, David Kelly; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Emma and Harry Oldom, Stella and Arthur Fetz and Dorothy and Ken Wolfe; and her brother, James Claude. She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jo and Charles Cwenar; her son-in-law, John Pandolfino; granddaughter and her spouse, Kathryn Michelle and Keith Herting; great-grandkids, Wesley and Bernadette; many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056, on March 5, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Harriman United Methodist Church, 1700 Wilson Ave, Bristol, PA 19007, on March 6, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Burial will follow at Rosedale Memorial Park, 3850 Richlieu Road, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020, on March 6, 2026, at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Martha’s memory to Harriman United Methodist Church, 1700 Wilson Avenue, Bristol, PA 19007 or Chandler Hall Hospice, 99 Barclay Street, Newtown, PA 18940.