October 19, 2011

Elizabeth Osbourne Kelly, 79

E lizabeth Osbourne Kelly (George) loving and devoted grandmother, mother, sister and wife, age 79, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Middle Granville, New York on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. Elizabeth was fondly known as “Liz” by all who knew her.   She was widely known as someone who would speak her mind, but also for her keen sense of humor.
Born March 3, 1932 in Bennington Vt., to Henry and Jennie (Osbourne) George. Elizabeth spent her early years in Arlington, Vt., before her father, who was the local barber, was enticed to move to North Granville. Her mother was of Scottish decent, and her father was from Lebanon, and Liz was proud of her heritage. She enjoyed telling stories about her youth in North Granville, and of her Mother and Father, whom she deeply loved all her life.
A graduate of the Granville Central High School class of 1949, Liz was an honor student and Latin scholar.   While in school, she was proud to be a cheerleader, and being among the prettiest, she caught the eye of one of Granville’s greatest football players, Patrick “P.J.” Kelly.
Liz studied as a beautician set up her shop initially in Fort Ann, before wedding P.J. in 1952 and moving to Middle Granville. Liz juggled raising her family and supporting P.J. in his many professional pursuits, and despite her petite stature was often seen tending bar at P.J.’s Tavern. She also worked for over 10 years at the Mary J. Tanner School in Middle Granville in many roles as aide.
Liz enjoyed many life-long hobbies including frequent attendance at the theater, her favorite the Dorset Playhouse ! A voracious reader with a vibrant imagination she particularly enjoyed true crime novels. Whether to see her family or with the local seniors group, she was always ready to travel and continually looked forward to her annual trip with P.J. to York Beach, Maine.   Greatly enjoyed eating out with P.J. and her family, and was noted for her love of shopping. Her true passion however; was her weekly trip to the movies, and she often regaled her children and grandchildren with stories of the great Hollywood legends of which she was so fond.
Most recently, Liz enjoyed frequent visits from her grandchildren, who liked to run through her house on the weekends and P.J. would take her out for long scenic drives through the countryside, always with a stop along the way for him to treat her to ice-cream.
Elizabeth was a cancer survivor, and in her later years was challenged by Alzheimer’s disease. Her husband and family devoted themselves to seeing that she received the best care available.
Liz was predeceased by P.J and her beloved sisters Evelyn Younger of Santa Barbara and Virginia (Ginger) Boddie of Palm Beach Gardens. Survivors include her children, Patricia Kelly Baldera, her husband, Alfred and their children Patrick and Alexander; Rebecca Cosey (Kelly), her children, Amy, Jennie, and John, and great grandchildren Nicholas, Sophia, Elijah, Silas; Mark Z. Kelly, his wife, Paula and children Amber and Hunter; and Christopher Kelly, his wife, Anne and their daughters Emily, Catherine and Margaret; and close friends Chico, Donna Billow and Family, Ruth Washburn, Roberta Morris, and Dee Woodard and family.
A special thanks to Sheila, Aileen, and Mary Jo, Patrick Kelly, and all the wonderful friends who have helped the family through our time of need.   Also a special thanks to William and Carol McCollum, the best neighbors and friends a family could ask for.
Everyone is welcome to call from 5 until 8 pm Thursday, October 13 at King‘s Funeral Home in Granville, New York. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary‘s Catholic Church in Granville, New York on Friday, October 14th at 10 am with burial to follow.
Memorial contributions : Haynes House of Hope, South Granville NY.