Published in the October 21, 2016 edition
WAKEFIELD – Jean C. (Sweetser) Kelley, 90, passed away at Bear Hill Nursing Center in Wakefield on Oct. 13.
Jean was born in West Medford on Jan. 23, 1926 to the late Sidney and Mary (Chisholm) Sweetser. She was raised in Malden, graduated from Malden High School in 1944 and graduated from secretarial school in Malden. Mrs. Kelley lived in Malden for many years before moving to Melrose in 1975. Jean worked as a legal secretary, starting out at a law firm in Malden and then for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for over 10 years.
Mrs. Kelley was a talented pastel artist, wrote poetry, played the piano, was an avid reader and transcribed books into Brail for many years. She enjoyed her trip to Europe and taking day trips to Rockport. Jean always had a smile on her face and was a big fan of Tom Brady.
The Kelley family would like to express their deep appreciation for all the wonderful care given to their Mom by all the staff at the Fitch Home.
Jean was the beloved wife of 47 years to the late Walter E. Kelley. She was the loving mother of Brian Kelley and his wife Lois of Virginia; Nancy Cameron and her husband Robert of New York; Janet Wolahan and her husband James of Rockport; Eileen Wright and her husband Martin of Hampden, and David Kelley of Arizona. She was the cherished grandmother of Joshua, Vada, Megan, Emily, Jennifer, Lauren, Cara, Andrew, Elizabeth and Beryl. She was the proud great-grandmother of Lorelei, Lochlan and Everett. She was the caring aunt of Kimberly, Krista and Torrey.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Friday, Oct. 21 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions, may be made in Jean’s name to the Fitch Home, 75 Lake Ave., Melrose MA 02176. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
