Mary E. Kelly
1919 – 2012
Woodstock – Mary (Praskiewicz) Kelly, 92, of Rawson Rd., died Monday, March 12, 2012, in Westview Healthcare Center. She was the loving wife of the late Edmund N. Kelly. They were married on May 8, 1943 in North Grosvenordale. Born in Southbridge, MA, she was the daughter of the late Isidore and Josephine (Pupko) Praskiewicz.
Mrs. Kelly grew up in Worcester, moved to Thompson in 1935, and graduated from Tourtellotte High School in 1936. She was the librarian at the North Woodstock Library for over 35 years, and taught piano in her home in Woodstock. From 1972 until 1981, she along with her husband operated Kelly’s Tire in Putnam and she continued working at Kelly’s until her death. She loved sports and played singles tennis until the age of 80. She was a member of Quinnatisset Country Club, golfing into her 90’s. She also bowled in the Tuesday morning women’s league in Brooklyn, a proud member of the “Coconuts,” until last month. She loved to watch the Boston Celtics play basketball and never missed a game.
Mary is survived by her daughter Lynn Kelly and her husband Dan Avery; her sons Paul Kelly, Dennis Kelly and his wife Kathie; and her granddaughter Erin Kelly. She was predeceased by her brother Stanley and her sister Peggy.
At Mary’s request, funeral services are private. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the North Woodstock Library, 1286 Rte. 169, Woodstock, CT 06281. Gilman Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Alfred E Mowry
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Kelly. I find it so sad to hear when a Mother passes away and I believe that you are so lucky to have your Mom so long and such an active lady to witch I am quite sure kept her here for so long. I lost my Mother when she was only 48 years old due to Cancer, so I do know how lucky you as a family were to have your Mom this long.
R.I.P. Mrs. Kelly now that you are in Gods hands!
Lola Proulx
I’m sorry about the passing of Mary. I worked at the State Library in Wmtc where Mary would come to get books for N. Woodstock. Mary was always a nice and happy person that made my day. She would walk into our office and just wake us up with her happiness. She was truly a very nice person and will be sadly missed.
Nancy Spagnuolo
Dear Family,
I was so sad to see the loss of Mary. I was with her at the bowling league, and was on her team of “coconuts” for three or more years. She gave me advice for bowling, and most of all for life. She had a great laugh, and we shared much fun together, I cried when I saw the obituary, this morning, as I know she was quite ill these past few weeks.
Please know you are all in my thoughts, and Mary will always be in my heart.
Nancy Spagnuolo
CHARLES PUFFER
My deepest sympathy to you all. May it be comfort to you that May lived a long and fullfilling life.
Regards,
Charlie
Keith and Diana McNamara
Keith and I are very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We never met her but felt as if we knew her by the wonerful things communicated to us by Lynn and Dan over the years. Her caring and fun loving ways will live on through her family and all that knew her. You were blessed to have had her with you for so long. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith and Diana
Ed & Andrea Whitman
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelly family during this time of sorrow.
Jerri Tarr
So sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Penny Hebert Shaw
I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Kelly. I spent so much time at the library as a child. My thoughts are with her Family.
Priscilla Cady
What is a Book
By Lora Dunela
A book is pages, pictures and words
A book is animals, people and birds
A book is stories of queens and kings
Poems and songs – so many things!
Curled in a corner where I can hide
With a book I can journey far and wide
though it’s only paper from end to end
A book is a very special friend!
Just like Mary was.
A Very Special Friend
Sara (Hamm) Carbonneau
Dear Dennis and family –
I am sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have fond memories of her at the North Woodstock library (stoking the wood stove and directing me to the latest Nancy Drew acquisition) and at piano lessons at your house.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sara