Rosia M. “Rose” (Davis) Kelly, resident of Melrose and former resident of Medford and Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Monday, July 26, 2021 at the Sawtelle Family Hospice in Reading following an illness. She was 87 years old.
Rose was born in Russellville, Alabama on September 8, 1933, a daughter of the late Ernest Davis and Jesse (Franks) Davis. She was raised on her parent’s rural farmstead and upon graduation from Russellville High School and passing the Civil Service exam, she ventured to Washington DC to make her own path. After finding employment as a government office worker, she quickly caught the eye of Philip Kelly, a shy, albeit older, handsome co-worker. Romance soon led to marriage and the newlywed couple headed to Charlestown (Phil’s roots) to begin their future. Together they raised five children. After achieving the “American dream” by purchasing a home, Rose took great pride in undertaking household projects with “do-it-yourself” determination and always seemed to have a paintbrush in her hand. She also worked multiple nightshift jobs (Charlestown Navy Yard, Jordan Marsh, Blue Cross) to support her family. Rose’s passion in her life were her children and grandchildren, as well as the lasting bond with best friends Ann Elwell and Kay Fennell.
Rose was the beloved wife of 62 years to the late Philip P. Kelly. She is the devoted mother of Dennis Kelly and his wife Kathleen of Epping NH, Kevin Kelly and his wife Ann Marie of Charlestown, Alice Houlihan and her husband James “Dinga” of Nahant, Maureen Dagle and her husband James of Melrose and Patricia of Reading. She is the loving “Nana” to Brigid, Breegan, Caitlin and her husband Brenton, Timothy, Emerald, Samantha, Alyssa, Kacie, Kiersten, Philip, Patrick, Conor, Gavin, Sean, the late Colleen, and to her great-grandchildren Kellan and Brynn. She is the beloved sister of the late Ernestine Colburn, “Bobby” Davis, Roy Davis and Johnny Davis. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Rose's Funeral on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by her Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. Her burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Her visiting hours will be on Friday, July 30, 2021 from 4 to 7 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Rose's name to The Alzheimers Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, Mass. 02452