Mary Claire Kelly

At the height of her treatment for, and suffering from cancer, Mary winced in pain and seconds later began to sob. “What’s wrong, Mom? What can I do?” She wept “it’s so unfair that children have to suffer this kind of pain!” Thus was Mimmie, caring about children everywhere.

Mary Claire (Gleason) Kelly, 84, of East Hartford passed away peacefully at home Friday (March 12) in the presence of her children. Born in Mt. Carmel, PA August 26, 1936 to Francis and Mary (Magennis) Gleason, Mary was raised in East Hartford after a stint in Ware, MA. She attended East Hartford High School and was employed at G Fox & Co. where she met the love of her life, Bartholomew Kelly. Bart and Mary celebrated their 57th anniversary in November. He led the way to eternity for her in December.

Mary leaves three children, her sons Chris of Hartford and Bart of Vernon, and a daughter Patti Claire Kelly of Harwinton. She also leaves her beloved sister, Margaret Turmelle who was as a mother after their mom's passing, and Margie’s daughter (Mary’s goddaughter) Kathleen and her husband Mosen, and her dear in-laws Susan and Emil Ostrowski of Glastonbury. Mary’s treasures were her grandsons, Nicolai Thomas Vanek of Waterville Valley, NH and Peter Kelly Vanek of Venice Beach, FL. She was preceded by her brothers Thomas and Francis Gleason, Thomas’ wife, Doris and Margaret’s husband, Robert.

After raising her own children, Mary provided care for other families: the Comeaus, Vaneks, Khoshnevis and Babcocks, the Maxwell girls, and Paquette boys. The bonds created by her loving care last to this day.

Mary was raised with a passion for the Red Sox, Giants and Notre Dame. She became passionate about UConn women’s and boys’ basketball. When her grandsons were playing any sport she was a proud "Meema'', always found on the sidelines cheering them on and taking pictures. She was a very religious woman, praying the rosary daily, often at her home parish- St. Isaac Jogues. When angry, she took it out on the pins at Glastonbury (duckpin) Bowl where she was a member of the G Fox league for many years. She loved traveling to Ireland and to the west coast, home of her beloved niece and nephews, Gail, Timmy and Patrick.

Mary was intolerant of intolerance of any kind and believed that everyone might offer something extraordinary to the world and should be accepted.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Manchester Memorial Hospital (Dr. Momen, Dr. Constantinou) and especially Dr. Kapoor who treated her like a part of his family, Donna who always made sure she had everything she needed, and the entire staff; you all made the ‘not fun’ and scary stuff feel like a walk in the park. We will not forget the care you gave. Thank you also to the staff of VNA/Hospice of Vernon (especially Donna, Heather and Darcy) for their compassion during Mary’s illness.

A memorial will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org) or to any charity that benefits children in need. The D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford (www.desopoeh.com) has been entrusted with the arrangements.