To her 5 children she was mom, but to most of us in this room she was Granny. To know Granny was to fear her a little bit…. but to REALLY know Granny was to love her immensely.
She expressed her love more often in her actions rather than words. She was always the first person to call you and congratulate you, send you a birthday card, or have you over for dinner…. and when you left her house, she would stand at the door and wave until you couldn’t see her anymore.
Granny never missed a beat, whenever you called her, she already knew what you did that day or what you were planning to do and would follow by telling you what everyone else in the family was up to. By the time you got off the phone she had told you which grandchild had soccer practice, what vacation another one was taking, and who was stopping over after work and she always ended with “so that’s the scoop”


When recalling memories of Granny…..some of the best ones come from summers in Stone Harbor. It’s where Granny sat in her blue and white striped beach chair wearing her white hat and sunglasses, watching us make drip castles in the sand. It’s where she yelled at us for feeding the seagulls from the balcony at the shore house. It’s where she powdered us after an outside shower, prepared happy hour snacks on the back deck, made root beer floats, and kicked all our asses in 500 rummy. Granny joked a lot and had an undeniable wittiness to her, but she never joked about a game of rummy.
Granny had a sweet tooth. She loved her raspberry Danish in the morning with coffee and Entenmann’s crumb topped doughnuts. Even when her diet restricted it, she went as far as hiding her dessert in the hospital room closet so they wouldn’t come and throw it out. It was only fitting that the last thing she asked for was ice cream. 


Not only her kids, but her grandkids too can attest to the military general like role she held in her household. We quickly learned that you must finish ALL of your food before getting up from the table, and to sit quietly on the couch at 11AM so she could watch her “program” AKA the price is right.
As we’ve gotten older her stubbornness became admirable. Even until the very last day, she did it her way. If you look around, it’s easy to see the strong, independent, and loving family that she built, which is a reflection of the woman she was.
Although her husband passed almost 40 years before her, along with her sister and close friends, it was her will to be with her family at the next event….the next birthday, wedding, holiday or gathering of any kind that kept her going. She had 2 important weddings coming up that she was planning to attend. About a month ago she called me and asked if at my wedding I could sit her at a table with all 5 of her children because she thought it was so nice that everyone would be there together. And well….. she will be there, with the best seat in the house.
Thank you, Granny. We will miss you terribly.
Love,
The grandkids

My sincerest condolences to the entire family. So sorry I was not able to pay my respects in person. Irene was a great lady and will be missed. RIP Irene!!

My heart once again is aching My aunt Irene was a strong , dedicated to family and loving person. There are so many memories of good times we shared. We will miss her immensely. She has now joined my mom, Carol and all the other family members that have gone to join their finally resting place . Peace be with her and her family
Love,
Cathy Fred Kelli and Jaime

I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to believe it was ten years ago that I moved in next door to Mrs. Kelly. We would talk over the fence, or an occasional phone call in the colder months, and she would catch me up on what was happening and see how I was doing. I enjoyed these conversations very much, and having her as a neighbor, and appreciate getting to know her. She was a very kind and loving person.

So sorry for your loss, but happy for heavens gain. It was a profound privilege to know and love Irene. She brightened my day whenever she came, and provided wise advice and belly rolling laughter. She is truly missed, but will always be a part of my fondest memories. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Wonderful woman and lovely family. Mrs. Kelly was always so welcoming. Spent many good times with family in Stone Harbor while I was in high school. To the Kelly family, so sorry for your loss.