Obituary

This world is one less loving and strong mother, but Heaven gained a worthy angel when Mrs. Margaret (Marge) H. (Clark) Kelly was granted passage into Heaven on September 26, 2021, forever healthy, happy and whole, reunited with the love of her life, Neil J. Kelly. Marge was a devoted wife and mother and, in a time when women were not encouraged to have careers outside of the home, she forged one for herself and, as a result, became an incredibly valued secretary in the Blue Valley School District for years, and later at Longview Community College. Born on January 16, 1942, Growing up in Philadelphia, Marge enjoyed school, ice skating and spending time with her many cousins as she was an only child. She loved to dance and, in fact, she met her dance partner for life and into eternity, Neil, at the Boulevard Ballroom. An evening of dancing spun into a lifetime together as man and wife, father and mother, grandfather and grandmother. There is no doubt they are dancing together now, maybe even doing the Mummers’ Strut, joyful to be together again.

Proud of her family and devoted to their needs, Marge sewed costumes/uniforms for her children when needed, made personalized and beautiful birthday cakes to celebrate them and purposefully planned a week of dinners at a time, always coming home from work and then cooking dinner for those she loved (though her kids, like all kids, would sometimes turn their noses up at the meal). Known for her legendary lists (food shopping, meal planning, to dos, etc.), Marge could accomplish anything she put her mind to and demonstrated this grit in the months after Neil’s death as she had to learn how to live life without her life partner and husband for almost 58 years. Thoughtful of others and what was happening in their lives, Marge spent time choosing the perfect card for any occasion and also sent a card to her children each week when they were away at college. Sometimes a Family Circle cartoon or a Dear Abby column would also be in the card, and her kids have saved many of those cards and clippings to this day. Marge was devoted to her faith and found respite in saying her rosary daily. She also enjoyed watching the hummingbirds, finches, cardinals and other birds that would come eat outside her kitchen window and her knack with plants has proven legendary (especially violets) and plants Phil and Cliff, both over 45 years old, are still around as evidence of her green thumb.

Though she is not with us in this world, we cherish snapshots of life’s many moments with her: Marge floating on her back, toes peeking out of the water, at the Ozarks or at the Jersey shore; her creativity in protecting her kids from an unexpected torrential rain by crafting raincoats out of Hefty trashbags and, when on the lake and a storm spontaneously appeared, Neil driving the boat to safety as she stowed her children in the boat, prepared to keep them safe no matter her own fear. Sitting near the water’s edge, especially after Neil passed, provided a comfort for her and she enjoyed car rides and the beauty of fall’s colors. Also forever in memory, her trademark gin and tonics and penchant for concocting the best turkey gravy on a “one martini” scale. She could wrap a gift with the most perfect of edges and a yellow rose would bring a smile to her face. A fan of “The Golden Girls,” this night owl would stay up to watch; she also enjoyed Stephen King books and travelling to some amazing places with her husband over the years. She loved her sweets (recently discovering pretzel M&Ms) and craved McDonald’s chicken nuggets and a small fry every now and then, though her cooking was far more top notch – from lasagna to spaghetti and stroganoff to her famous chicken salad. She fed our tummies, and made sure to feed our souls so we can continue on in this life until we reunite again.

Welcoming her to Heaven, Marge is finally and happily reunited with her loving husband, Neil, whom she has missed deeply in her heart and soul every day since his passing in April of 2020, her parents, Charles L. and Margaret J. Clark, her angel son Timmy, her in-laws, Albert E. and Mary J. Kelly, dear son-

in-law Jimmy Lightner, Jr., her beloved sister-in-law Susan Krammer, many valued friends from a life well lived and the many pets who were members of our family, too.

Marge’s blessings were many and among them are those who survive her and look forward to seeing her again: her children who learned many important life lessons from their mother, Maureen (Tim) Kelly-Mott, Colleen (James) Kelly-Reeder, Erin (Kevin) Pearson and T. Scott Kelly; her grandchildren who made her proud, Ashlyn Shellenberger, Chase Pearson and Megan Shellenberger. Now able to see all of her loved ones from Heaven, Marge will also watch over her beloved cousins Diane Price, James McAllister, Margaret Friedaur and Deloris DeLorenzo and her in-laws Elaine Alvin, Ron (Jody) Kelly, Catherine Kelly, brother-in-law Mike Krammer and two generations of nieces and nephews.

She is whole again and we will be reunited. “God be with you till we meet again; By his counsels guide, uphold you; With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.” We held each other up over these last several months without Dad, and we will continue to hold each other up now that we know you are at peace. You could not have been a better wife or mother; you were strong, smart, loving, fierce, brave and, at the end, tired. Now, you can rest. We hold you and Dad in our hearts, minds and actions forever. We take comfort in knowing neither of you was alone as you entered Heaven, and we know that love transcends time and plane. “This is true.” All of our love and we will see you and Dad when it is time.

The family will host a celebration of Marge’s life at a later date. And, as in life, Marge and Neil will also be laid to rest together by their loving children at a later date