Imelda M. Kelley

Imelda Kelley, 94, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2018 surrounded by her family.

Imelda was born August 26, 1923 in Lynn, MA. She was the daughter of Emma (Mooney, born Sheep Bridge, Newry, County Down, Ireland) and Edward L. McGrath (born Salem, MA). She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary C. Riley, Teresa McGrath, S.N.D., Edward L., Jr., John J., Joseph L., Frances C., and Gerard D.

Imelda graduated from St. Mary's High School in Lynn and later trained as a Dental Assistant. She lived in Baltimore, MD briefly before returning to Massachusetts to marry Henry J. Kelley, Jr. and start a family. They lived in Nahant, MA and Shirley, MA before making their home in Groton, MA in 1972. Henry Kelley passed away in 1984.

She worked for Dr. Andrew Zale in his dental practice in Groton, where she had fond memories of Dr. Zale, his family, staff and patients.

Imelda's Catholic faith, family and friends were centerpieces of her long and joyful life. She was a communicant at St. Anthony's parish in Shirley, Sacred Heart parish in Groton, St. James parish in West Groton and St. Catherine's in Westford. Imelda contributed her time and energies to her church including the St. Anthony's Daughters of Isabella chapter and Sacred Heart Parish Council.

Imelda's graciousness, loyalty and positive spirit made her a dear and wonderful friend. She appreciated the simple joys of a relaxed cup of tea with a new acquaintance or life-long friend. She was active in the Groton Womens' Club and Groton Womens' Investment Club. While in her late 70's, Imelda became certified and taught English as a Second Language to adults from many countries and cultures.

Imelda will be best remembered for her love of family. She and Henry created a warm, nurturing home for their children and all who entered it, and she coupled that warmth with a keen sense of humor her entire life. She is survived by her son Christopher J. Kelley and his wife Christine S. Kelley of Chelsea, MA; son Colin M. Kelley and his wife Robin M. Kelley of Malvern, PA; daughter Lisa I. Kelley and her partner Darlene Dusseault of Taunton, MA; and son David H. Kelley and his wife Alison M. Dearborn of Boulder, CO. "Nana" is also survived by her beloved granddaughters Caroline G. Kelley and Claire M. Kelley of Malvern, PA, and cherished sister-in-law, Lee Kelley, as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

The Kelley family will always have a fond place in their hearts for the dedicated caregivers, staff and residents who loved and assisted Imelda at Rivercourt Residences, West Groton, and Westford House, Westford.

Family and friends can gather to honor and remember Imelda for a period of visitation on Wednesday August 22, 2018 from 4 PM until 8 PM at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 10 AM in St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, 107 N. Main Street, Westford. Kindly Meet at Church. Interment will follow at Groton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Imelda's name to Smile Train https://www.smiletrain.org/