Jeanne Riordan Kelly

Jeanne Riordan Kelly of Worcester and Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 after living a full life of almost 94 years.  Her husband Dr. Joseph M. Kelly, an oral surgeon in Worcester, predeceased her in 2022.

Jeanne was born in Brooklyn, New York to Francis A. and Florence (Dearduff) Riordan. In her later childhood, her family moved to Washington DC.  An avid reader and bibliophile from an early age, Jeanne excelled in school graduating from the Academy of Notre Dame and Trinity College in Washington DC with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After college, she briefly taught Latin and worked for the US Government.  In 1952, she married her best friend and love of her life Joseph M. Kelly.

Our mother, Jeanne, had a rich and full life raising her family of six children.  Our house was filled with music, fun, and laughter.  She was the center of our lives whether at our many family reunions, vacations, or school events.  She was very active in our church and school (Blessed Sacrament) serving as Girl Scout troop leader and teaching CCD.  She also volunteered her time and talent to the Guild of Our Lady of Providence, the Women’s Auxiliary to the Worcester District Dental Society and the Worcester Trinity College Alumni Association setting an example for us to give back to others.  Jeanne brought joy, support, encouragement, and laughter to all, whether volunteering in her community or making her home a warm and welcoming place for her children, grandchildren, and friends.

Jeanne’s life-long passion was reading and writing, especially poetry. She had keen insights into everyday life that she magically transposed into beautiful verses.  In her later years, she published a book of poetry highlighting her most treasured compositions.

A love and appreciation for history led her to a later career as an educator in the School Education Department at Old Sturbridge Village facilitating hands-on experiences for school age children. 

In retirement, Jeanne and her husband Joe enjoyed traveling on numerous European river cruise expeditions.  At their home in Yarmouth Port, they took advantage of adult education courses and numerous neighborhood social gatherings. Wintering in St. Augustine, Florida allowed rest and relaxation with close friends and family.

Above all Jeanne will be remembered for her commitment to her Catholic faith and her family which served as a foundation of strength and support to all.  She was always available to provide comfort, guidance, and prayers for those in need. She loved sending cards to family and friends often with handwritten notes of encouragement or to celebrate life’s achievements.

Jeanne will be remembered and dearly missed by her children: Maureen Biddle (John deceased) of Manchester, NH; Elaine Gardella (Edward) of Worcester; Rosemary Kelley (David) of Holliston; Carol Ann Johnson (Irvin deceased) of Yarmouth Port; Kathleen Fraser (Robert) of Princeton and Joseph M. Kelly, Jr. (Joanne) of Vienna, VA.   She also leaves behind her grandchildren:  Alex, Benjamin, Nathaniel, and Matthew Biddle; Carolyn and Will Schwartz (Megan); Michael, Ryan (Rachael) and Gavin Kelley; Deirdre Johnson; Julia Fraser Werther (Lawrence) and James Fraser (Katie); Anna and Conor Kelly; as well as eleven great grandchildren: Damian, Clare, and Robert Werther; Ronan and Silas Fraser; Liam and Jackson Schwartz; and Daniel, Jack, Ruth, and Benjamin Kelley.

She is survived by her brother Michael B. Riordan of Summerville, South Carolina.

She leaves behind her sister-in-law, Molly Kelly of Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania and numerous nieces and nephews with whom she had a very close and loving relationship.

Calling hours are Friday, December 27 from 3 to 7 pm at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester.   A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28 at 11 a.m. with a Requiem Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

The Kelly family is eternally grateful for the love and support Jeanne received from the caregivers and staff at Notre Dame Long Term Care as they provided a ministry of care, encouragement, and attention, allowing her to spend her last years of declining health in a warm and loving home-like environment. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Notre Dame Health Care, 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 in appreciation and gratitude.