Margaret Elizabeth Kelly

Age 96 died peacefully on October 14, 2024, at the Halifax Infirmary Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born in Halifax, on March 30, 1928 to Agatha and Michael Kelly, she was the last surviving member of her family. She was educated in Halifax, attending Oxford School and St. Patrick’s High school.

She married her loving husband of 50 years, Bernard Joseph Kelly, on July 9, 1949. She raised her family in the North End of Halifax, in the same house where she lived for 70 years until the end of her life. She was an amazing homemaker, renowned for her baking, cooking, sewing and mending skills. She knew how to stretch a dollar and loved searching for bargains. Everything mom did was infused with love for her family, neighbours and friends. Margaret was a woman of great faith, and one of the oldest and longest members of St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic church. She was a longtime member of the Waegwoltic boat club.

Left to mourn are her three children, Michael Kelly (Linda), Patricia Connolly (Conrad MacDonald), Stephen Kelly (Melanie) and former daughter-in-law Susan Kelly. She is survived by her 11 grandchildren: Nikki Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Martha Kelly, Peter Kelly (Jennifer), Sean Connolly (Jaclyn), Maura Connolly Wieczorek (Greg), Karen Connolly (Rachel Miller), Patrick Connolly, Ryan Kelly (Melanie), Meghan Kelly and Colin Kelly (Samantha Durst & Shane). Margaret adored her 7 great-grandchildren, who brought her so much joy: Edward, Thomas and Margaret Connolly, Clara and Elle Wieczorek, and Hannah and Hugh Kelly. Margaret was a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews: Karen and Paul Kelly, Maureen Mills, Terry Kelly and Kate Shephard, Elizabeth Balcom and Michael Paddon. Of particular note, she was like a second mother to her late sister Nina’s children, Peter and Ann Smith.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband Bernard Kelly, parents Michael Kelly (Agatha), stepmother Mary, mother-in-law Gertrude and her father-in law Bernard Kelly, brother Gerald Kelly (Mary), sister Nina (Lou Smith), sister- in-law Gertrude (James Kelly), sister- in- law Joan (Bernard Paddon), nephew Patrick Paddon, niece Dianne Kelly, niece Colleen Kelly, and her son -in-law Mark Connolly.

There are so many friends and neighbours who loved and supported Margaret, helping her to remain in her home for 25 years as a widow. Your many acts of kindness did not go unnoticed. A special thank you to Sandra McNeil, Kathy Mahoney, Janet Mullock and June Trenbirth.

The family would also like to thank Margaret’s GP Dr. Chendu, as well as the medical team at the Halifax Infirmary 8-4, who cared for mom in her last days.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Stephen’s Church, Normandy Drive, on Friday October 25, 2024, at 11:00am. Reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will take place in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta conference) or to a charity of your choice.