Kathleen Francis Kelly, 88, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Mont Marie Healthcare Center surrounded by her loving family. She was a longtime resident of Holyoke, and will be remembered and missed by her family, friends, and all those she touched.

Kathleen was born in Marlebone, London, England on April 16, 1936, one of two daughters of John Henry Black and Mary Elizabeth Black (Nee Gornall). In 1941, at the age of five, she left for Ireland to get away from the bombs of WWII with her mother and sister. It became her second home for ten years until moving back to England. Later, in England, she met, fell in love and married her dear husband, Walter Steven Kelly of Portsmouth, NH.

Kitty, as she was often known, was predeceased by her husband, Walter S. Kelly, and parents, Mary E. Black and John H. Black, killed in the war. 

Kathleen worked at Stop & Shop for many years and put a smile on many a face. She loved dancing, but gardening was the favorite pastime and her rock garden was pure delight. She took care of her four sons up until the last. 

Kathleen was a beautiful person, a wild Irish rose, fragile yet so, so strong. She will be sorely missed by her surviving family, Ruth, her best friend and sister, of South Hadley, MA; and four sons, Ross Kelly and wife Nanthisa of Wells, ME, John Kelly and wife Erin of Holyoke, MA, James Kelly and wife Denise of Maynard, MA and Michael Kelly of Boston, MA. Her grandchildren include Tyler and Ashley Kelly of Holyoke, and Shannon and Meghan Kelly of Maynard, and great- grandchildren, Riley, Piper and Madilyn, all of Holyoke.

Farewell visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 14th from 9:30 to 11:00 am at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Ave., both in Holyoke. Burial will follow in Saint Jerome Cemetery, Northampton Street, Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathleen’s memory to the charity of your choice.