Obituary of Shirley R. Kelly

Shirley Anne (Richards) Kelly passed away peacefully on November 14, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born in Utica, NY on January 4, 1937 to the late George and Ruth (Smith) Richards. She was raised in Chadwicks, NY and graduated Valedictorian from Chadwicks High School, Class of 1954. She married Francis James (Jim) Kelly on October 6, 1956 in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Chadwicks, New York. The couple has resided in Baldwinsville, NY, since 1967. Their deep love and commitment to each other carried them through 61 beautiful years of marriage. Prior to marriage, Shirley worked at Household Finance Company of Utica and at General Electric on French Road in Utica. After marriage, she transferred to General Electric in Syracuse and became a stay-at-home mom after her first child was born. She stayed home for several years while raising her five children and worked part time at various jobs (in an attempt to preserve her illusion of sanity). When the children were older, she returned to work as a civil servant. She was questioned as to how she could score a 99 on her civil service exam after being out of work for 15 years. She, after careful consideration and a personal expectation of perfection, responded, "I was rusty." She retired from her elected position with the Town of Lysander after 26 years of service; one year as a Deputy Tax Collector, one year as a Deputy Town Clerk and 24 years as the elected Town Clerk. She was a Notary Public who was willing to help anyone, anytime, regardless of the office hours. She was a tireless public servant who consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. Her integrity was beyond reproach and she earned the respect of everyone who knew her. She was well-known for her sense of humor and quick wit. She always drew a crowd as many enjoyed listening to her anecdotes and jokes. If her children were looking for her, they only needed to find the cluster of bodies hungrily waiting for Shirley's next story. Her hobbies included playing practical jokes, playing oboe in the Baldwinsville Community Band, and singing alto in the First United Methodist Church Choir. She was a former member of Baldwinsville Jayncees and former President of Palmer School PTA. She also volunteered as a 4-H Leader in the Baldwinsville area. Shirley is predeceased by her parents, George and Ruth (Smith) Richards; three sisters, Marian Jones, Norma Clark and Doris Thomas. Survived by her loving husband Francis James (Jim) Kelly; her children Erin Trexler of Baldwinsville, Nona Kelly of Lyons, daughter and son-in-law Rachel and Oladipo Anjorin of Liverpool, daughter and son-in-law Alicia and Karl Kuehn of Greene, son and daughter-in-law Sean and Karen Kelly of Camillus; grandchildren Travis, Justin and Ashley Trexler, Julian, Leah and Isabel Anjorin, and Summer, Riley and Teshale Kelly; and two great-grandchildren, Candice and Morgan Trexler; sisters Joyce Shephard of Chadwicks, Evey (Melville) Edwards of Clinton, Esther (William) McCarthy of Sauquoit; and one brother, George Richards of New Hartford. Calling hours are 3:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday, November 18 at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer Street, Baldwinsville, NY. A 6:15 PM Service will follow at the funeral home. Donations in her memory may be made to Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010 AND/OR Smile Train, 41 Madison Avenue 28th Floor, New York, New York 10010.