Mary grew up in Conshohocken, PA. She became an accomplished Drum Majorette, placing 1st in the State Competition. She graduated from St. Matthew’s High School in 1959. After high school she began working at Bell Telephone Company, where she met her beloved husband, Paul. They married on January 20, 1962. In time they became the parents of five children. As Paul advanced at the telephone company, they established many beautiful homes together: Roslyn, PA (1962), Elkins Park, PA (1968), Scotch Plains, NJ (1972), Radnor, PA (1976), Sabal Point in Longwood, FL (1984) and Wekiva Villas (1996). During the summers, Mary loved vacationing with the family at the Kelly Beach House in Brigantine, NJ. After Paul’s retirement, Mary and Paul frequently traveled to Ireland with friends. Paul died in 2010, and in 2017 Mary moved to Oakmonte Village in Lake Mary, FL. She enjoyed meeting new friends and appreciated the loving care she received there. No matter where Mary lived or visited, she established warm loving relationships.
Mary was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church for 37 years. She was a faithful parishioner and loved the annual “Fall Festival”. She preferred attending the early morning mass, often sitting in the last row. When she could not attend mass in person, she prayed along with the 10 am livestream liturgy.
Mary was a fun-loving person, who cared deeply for her family and friends. She loved celebrations, planning and cooking for those she loved. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. Her kitchen was well-run and organized. Mary was best known for her big Sunday breakfasts, and her Turkey and Meatloaf dinners. In recent years when she could not do the actual cooking herself, she loved to “arm-chair quarterback” all the cooking and baking. She was very honest in her critique of others’ cooking, which aided in improving the quality of the recipes for all. Mary loved golfing, bowling and shopping. She was President of the Ladies Golf Association at Sabal Point Country Club. She had a career best golf game of 79 and was proud to share this accomplishment. She was one of the most avid sports fans around. She loved her Philadelphia Eagles, Florida Gators and Orlando Magic. She enjoyed watching her Christmas Movies, Hallmark and Netflix channels. In recent years, she crocheted many blankets. Mary always had a kind word and a bright smile to share with everyone she met.
Mary was the daughter of the late Catherine Edna (Swift) O’Byrne and Charles Herbert O’Byrne.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband (“Kel”), Paul Leo Kelly. Even after she lost the love of her life, Mary remained strong, dedicated and generous to her family.
She is survived by her loving children Mary Gruber (Ken), Colleen Walsh (the late Matthew), Paul Kelly (Christine), Michael Kelly (Sherry) and Jim Kelly. Her grandchildren brought her great joy: Kelly and Colleen Gruber; Katie, Fran, Maggie, Tommy, and Lizzie Walsh; Kristy Crozier (Jeff) and Lauren Brady (Tim); Amber Walker (Jordan), Michael and Vicky Kelly; and Shannon and Jimmy Kelly. She doted on her four great-grandchildren: Braden, Bryce, Mary Kate and Autumn.
Mary is also survived by her brother, Charles Herbert O’Byrne, Jr. She had a special place in her heart for her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She was blessed with many loving nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild West Altamonte Funeral Home. Mary’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 1:30 pm at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. A livestream will begin at 1:30 pm. The Eulogy will be prior to the mass. A Livestream Link is available below the obituary where the Service is listed. Click on Join Livestream or type in the link to your browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0tWVKTwc_Q
One final note: Mary E. (O’Byrne) Kelly loved vibrant colors! In her honor, please wear a joyful color, whether in person at mass or on live-stream while remembering our beautiful Mary. Rest in peace, dear Mary.
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