WAYLAND: Nancy C. (Claffey) Kelley, formerly of Waltham and Newton died peacefully and with her family by her side on Monday, October 5, 2015 following a period of declining health.
She was born in Lynn on July 10, 1933 the daughter of the late Charles J. Claffey and Lorena Mary (Kelly) Claffey.
Nancy was the Class Valedictorian at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn and spent two years at Emmanuel College in Boston. Nancy and her husband David were longtime residents of Newton before moving to Wayland in 2006. As a young woman, Nancy was employed by New England Telephone; later in life she was the office manager at the Convent of the Cenacle in Brighton.
Nancy was the wife of the late David J. Kelley who passed away in 2014. She was the devoted mother of David J. Kelley, III of Natick; Maureen DeJong and her husband William of Wayland; Lorena Hart of Madbury, NH; Pamela Kelley of Natick; Kara Corley and her husband Larry of Medway; Jane Celli and her husband Frank of Medway and Megan Kelley of Wayland. She was beloved “Gaia” to Christene DeJong and her husband Tim Zimmerman, Meg and Will DeJong; Caitlin and Bridget Hart; Liam and Caroline Corley; Shannon Kelley, Amanda Bosselman and Daniella Celli. She was the “Great Gaia” and “Gigi” to Autumn Zimmerman DeJong and Ezra Jay Kelley. Nancy is survived by her sisters, Jane M. Claffey, and Raye E. Mahoney and her husband Lewis. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Nancy was a devoted wife and mother who created a warm and loving home for her family. She was known for her intellect and wit, her baking, and her love of reading and birds. In her earlier years, Nancy enjoyed singing with the choir at Sacred Heart Church in Newton and was an accomplished organist and accordionist; she met the love of her life while playing the accordion on Nahant Beach. Nancy spent many hours quilting, and knitting socks, mittens, hats, sweaters, blankets and prayer shawls for her family and for those in need, providing them with warmth and comfort. Nancy taughter her children the true meaning of unconditional love. Nancy was a devoted grandmother to her many grandchildren and to her “grand dogs” including Brandi, Duncan, Dillon, Franny, Johnny and Malcolm.
Visitations will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (Off Rte 30), Wayland.
Family and friends are requested to go directly to Good Shepherd Parish at St. Ann’s Church, 124 Cochituate Road (Rte 27), Wayland on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 10:00 am for Nancy’s Mass of Christian Burial .
Interment in the Kelley family lot in Newton Cemetery will be private for her family at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 29 Craft Street, Ste 450, Newton, MA 02458.