Barbara Vickery Kelleher

Barbara Ramell Vickery Kelleher grew up in Evansville, Indiana. She graduated from North High School in 1961 and attended the University of Evansville in 1965, receiving a B.S. Degree in Psychology and Counseling, followed by a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Her first job following college was as a Psychiatric Social Worker at the Evansville State Hospital. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Nantucket, Massachusetts, where she raised her family and resumed her career as the Director of Mental Health for Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod. In 1982 she married Frank Kelleher and the couple moved to Siesta Key, in Sarasota, Florida. They also maintained a summer house on Nantucket, Massachusetts. Barbara and Frank owned Horizons Restaurant on Cape Cod Bay and later opened Turtle’s Restaurant on Siesta Key with 2 other couples.

Barbara had an incredible mix of interests over the years, including amateur theatre and dance, various card and book clubs, extensive travels, charities, with particular interest in SPARCC, where she volunteered and served as a counselor, also serving as a member of the board. Most of all, she committed her time and energy to her husband, her family, friends, her homes on Nantucket and Siesta Key, with special attention always given to her two tail wagging companions, Katy and Charlie.

Though her husband Frank passed away in 2018, she is survived by 4 sons, Chris and Derek Smith, Kevin and Dan Kelleher; and 4 daughters, Kathy Kelleher, Colleen Kelleher, Denise Colucci, and Nancy Sweeney. She also had 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 11 AM at St Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. Due to COVID restrictions, you must RSVP to attend at: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/eventlogin.aspx?id=UJ0WskWQ122JxUpXZ9zerQ==&site=90120&ReturnUrl=events%2fwz_people.aspx&ChurchID=2088&EventID=206268&sn=90120 or you may watch via livestream at www.servicewebcast.com password to enter is Barbara1111.

Memorial Donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, SPARCC, 2139 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237.