Mary C. Kelley

Mary C. “Babe” Kelley, age 83, of Seminole, Florida, formerly of Marblehead, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 21, 2011 of complications from pneumonia. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles E. “Bud” Kelley, Jr. with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. She was the dear daughter of the late Edward and Catherine “Kitty” Barry.

Born in Hardwick, Vermont, Babe resided most of her life in Marblehead. She attended Marblehead High School and graduated from Lasell College. She and her husband lived in the Washington DC area and in Naples, Italy during their early years of marriage while Bud served in the Navy. They eventually returned to Marblehead where she raised her family.

Babe worked as a medical laboratory technician at the Mary A. Alley Hospital in Marblehead for many years. After retirement she and her husband moved to Florida and enjoyed life with many of their lifelong friends who lived nearby as well as new friends.

Babe was an avid sports fan, animal lover, and true Marbleheader. She was a very kind and fun person; she loved to read, and loved the sea. A friend to many, she will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Babe was the wonderful mother of four children: daughter, Kathleen Herald and son-in-law Scott Herald; daughter, Christine Kelley and son-in-law Donald Bottaro; and son, Michael Kelley. Another son, Charles E. “Chucky” Kelley III, preceded her in death. She is also survived by one brother, Edward Barry and his wife Virginia. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Margaret Cook, and one brother, Jack Barry. She is survived by 7 grandchildren: Sean Kelley, Karen DeRoo Cloutman, Ryan DeRoo, Kelley DeRoo, Cassidy Goodwin, Matt Herald and Jennifer Herald; one grandchild, Richard DeRoo, preceded her in death. Babe also had many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to a mass to celebrate her life at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead on Saturday, November 19 at 11AM. Following the mass there will be a burial of her ashes, together with her husband’s ashes, in Waterside Cemetery. A time of refreshment and fellowship will be held following the burial for all family and friends.

The family encourages those who wish, to make memorial contributions to the charity of their choice in lieu of flowers. Arrangements by the Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home, Marblehead.