GILFORD ---- Joanne M. Kelley, affectionately known as "JoJo" by those who were fortunate enough to know and love her, passed away peacefully at the age of 78, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, after a courageous five-and half-year battle with cancer. Joanne faced her illness with remarkable strength, grace, and unwavering resilience. She never allowed it to diminish her radiant smile, deep faith, or the immense love she held for family and friends. Though cancer may have claimed her life, it never touched the vibrant spirit that defined her.
Born in Laconia to Victor and Loretta Blake, Joanne spent her entire life in the Laconia and Gilford areas. She and her husband, Bob, made their home on Farmer Drive in Gilford, where they lived together since 1970 while raising their two daughters, Angela and Audrey.
JoJo had a special connection to the ocean, finding both peace and solace in its vast beauty. She cherished the time spent in Wells, Maine, where she and Bob created countless treasured memories walking the beach and enjoying meals at Billy’s Chowder House.
JoJo also had a passion for visiting casinos. Whether at Oxford, Encore, Foxwoods, or Mohegan, she embraced each trip with laughter and joy, while always in hot pursuit of the coveted hand-pay!
Chase, Dylan, Beth Ann, and Jackson Shires are her beloved grandchildren, residing in Georgia. Despite the distance, JoJo made it a priority to visit them often and she took immense pride in their accomplishments and loved them with all her heart. They, in turn, adored her and will carry her love in their hearts forever.
JoJo is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Robert W. Kelley, Jr., of Gilford, NH, her loving daughters, Angela Bossey and husband Jon of Gilmanton, NH, and Audrey Shires and husband Andy of Alpharetta, GA, her grandchildren Chase (19), Dylan (16), Beth Ann (26), and Jackson (24), and her four-legged "grand dogs" Max, Harley James, Bear and Champ.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jeanna Walsh and the exceptional oncology team at the Payson Center at Concord Hospital for their compassionate care over the years. Additionally, they would like to thank the staff at the Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord for providing Joanne with comfort and peace in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her honor to the Granite VNA Hospice House, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301.
In keeping with Joanne's wishes, there will be no formal services or calling hours. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, to be shared with family and friends.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services and 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.