Obituary of Mary Irene Kelley

Mary Irene Anketell Kelley, 87, of Stockton Springs, Maine passed away suddenly in her sleep on November 15, 2018. Born January 19, 1931, in Bangor Maine, she was the eldest of the four children of Richard M. and Mary W. Anketell. Mary earned a BA in studio arts from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and an MA in psychology from Anna Maria College. Mary is survived by daughter Megan Kelley Dworkin of Newcastle ME, son Gavin Kelley and wife Donna of Andover, MA, son Brian Kelley of Boylston, MA, son Justin Kelley and wife Sharon of Northboro, MA, and seven grandchildren: Liam, Finn, Erin, Lydia, Braeden, Thomas and Harper. Mary is also survived by brother John Anketell and wife Jane of Osterville, MA. Mary was predeceased by her former husband of 32 years, Dr. George T. Kelley, and eldest son Dr. Colin T. Kelley. We will fondly remember Mary as an intelligent, well-read mother of strong convictions, especially regarding child development, education, the economy, the politics of social justice, and religion. She was inspired to political activism after meeting John F. Kennedy when he was a senator in the 1950s. She remained very politically active throughout her life, including doing groundwork on several campaigns. Amongst her other passions were art, art therapy, quilting, her Stockton Springs friends, including the Ladies Aid Society, and sharing philosophy over a lobster meal. Mary was at times fiercely independent. In her final 22 years of retirement she chose to return to her beloved Mid-Coast Maine to pursue her studies and passions independently, yet while well connected to the community. A memorial service will be held in Stockton Springs in the Spring of 2019.