Anna Brooke Helmly

Born November 3, 1935, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late John Lewis Kelly and Anna Hill Brooke Kelly. Nancy graduated from the Stoneridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland and Maryville college in St. Louis, Missouri, where she met the love of her life, Dr. Robert Bruce (Skip) Helmly. They were married for 39 years until Skip’s death in 1997.

Nancy was adored by friends and family and was an active member of the community. She was an accomplished equestrian for over 68 years, exercising racehorses, showing and fox hunting. She was a lifelong member of the Marlborough Hunt Club and was the field secretary for many years. Nancy was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She was a faithful member of Saint Mary’s Parish in Annapolis and volunteered at Anne Arundel General Hospital for many years. She was known for her great Blue Angels fly-over parties, and holiday gatherings and was an exceptional hostess and cook. She'll be dearly missed by all who experienced her love, friendship, smile, and enduring charm.

Nancy is survived by her five sons, Dr. Robert Bruce Helmly. Jr. (Carolyn), John Lewis Helmly (Caroline), Daniel Joseph Helmly (Jennifer), Kenneth Mark Helmly (Robin), and David Kelly Helmly (Doreen).

She had 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

She is survived by her sister Katherine Kelly Cawood whom she loved and adored. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Brooke Kelly and sister, Mary Kelly Stanley.

A visitation for Anna will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at John M. Taylor Funeral Home 147 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, MD 21401. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 10:30 AM in Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. A reception will follow the mass from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Seelos Hall at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church. A graveside service will occur Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM in Saint Mary Cemetery, 109 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.