Helen Alberta Delo Kelly

Helen was born on July 29, 1923 in Oil City, PA to Albert Delo and Mary Coxson Delo. She was a member of the Free Methodist Church from early childhood.

Helen is preceded in death by her brother Russell Delo, and her sister Virginia Delo Zimmerman.

Helen is survived by her spouse of 69 years, Raymond Kelly. Also survived by her children Dennis Kelly (wife Carol Ratcliffe Kelly) of Boca Raton, FL and Dale Kelly (wife Karen Kjellin Kelly) of Springfield, MO.

Her grandchildren are Shalene Roberts, Christopher Kelly, David Kelly, Mark Kelly and Sean Kelly. Her great-grandchildren include Trey, Faith and Noelle Roberts and Addison, Ansley and Caden Kelly.

Upon completion of high school and business college, Helen began clerical work at the Pennzoil refinery during World War II. Following the war, Helen married her high school sweetheart and US Army veteran Raymond. After their two sons were born, Helen and Raymond bravely set out, leaving family and friends behind, for a new life in sunny Florida. Here, Helen became a homemaker while raising the boys.

Helen actively worked with children’s programs in her local church and several school PTA groups. Once the sons were in college, Helen went to work in the offices of Metropolitan Life in Tampa and retired after 12 years of service.

Helen and Ray were blessed to share 32 years of retirement, traveling extensively in the US and Canada, once visiting Great Britain. They were always delighted to participate in the lives of their grandchildren (and great grandchildren) including graduations and weddings.

Helen’s leisure activities included ceramics and flower arranging. Later, she taught herself to use the computer to keep up with the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Helen was a beloved wife and mother and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 30, 2015 from 6pm to 8pm at Babione Funeral Home, 10060 Calle Commercio Drive, Boca Raton, FL.

Memorial service will be Friday, July 31, 2015 at 1pm at Babione Funeral Home. Committal Service and Interment will follow at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to:

Holiday free Methodist Church, 5530 Whippoorwill Dr, Holiday, FL 34690