Joan I. Kelley

Joan was so gloriously obstinate, yet could be so magnificently forgiving. She could posture an eloquence of unmistakable sophistication, yet unleash a tirade of obscenities to make blush the saltiest of sailors. She was genuinely devoted to God, her church and her faith, yet widely and notoriously known for wielding the Devil’s fiery temper. Still, she managed to deeply instill within her two children not only a firm sense of morality, but also one of profound destiny, wisely knowing that a lighted road is far safer travelled than a nameless one fitted in darkness. She knew all too well the fortunes of encouraging her children’s wildest dreams while never once mentioning the long disenchantment with her own. It was within the gaps of her conflictions where her beauty and intellect shone most brightly; where she honed her talents to laudable degrees at being a dedicated wife of 65 years, and loving mother for nearly as many.

Most imperative of all, she was always there for her family. Always.

We’re going to miss you deeply, Mom,.but rest eternally knowing that you are so very loved, and that you left us all with the most indelible memories; by far the good and gentle sort that are tenderly and forever scored, and a few others you so passionately engraved, albeit with the best-intentioned chisel.

We won’t finish with goodbye. We’ll just say, “See ya later.”