Delia Kelly Obituary

Marty thinking of you and the rest of your family at the very sad loss you are feeling with the death of your much loved mother Delia. She was a beautiful person and did a great job of rearing a wonderful family. Her life in places was challenging. I often think of the trip she made to America with three small children on her own and the thought of starting life in a new country far away from home. She also had a very sad loss losing her own mother when she was very young.

You have the joy of having her in your life for so many years and you will have lots memories. Tony and I had lovely memories of the time both your late parents spent with us in 1995 and I know Tony spent time with them in his younger years and then we had the lovely time with you all in recent years.

As you know Tony has health issues which he is coping with but on his behalf and my own I send our deepest sympathy to you. I look forward to the time when you make that trip to Ireland! Nora (Kelly)

Dear Grandma,

Your soul was so strong and beautiful no matter how hard times were you always found a way to laugh through them. You taught me marriage can be hard and no matter what you stick with that person through hard times and good. I will carry those things with me for the rest of my life. Your laugh was contagious something I enjoyed the most about you. I try to always laugh through the good the bad and the ugly there is always something to me to laugh, giggle or smile even through the hardest times. A piece of you will always live with me and I will share it with my children to carry along with them. You had given me a cross of Jesus Christ blessed by a pope in Ireland. That was one of my most cherished gifts from you. I keep it hanging in my car to go with me everywhere I go and to hold on to and pray when times get difficult, or even when the sun is shining bright to thank the lord for a beautiful day. I still have the one you gave to Sabrina and I keep it in a safe place for her to one day know the importance of it. Even though it's hard to know your not here in person I know you up in heaven watching over the whole family. I love you Grandma and miss you everyday.

Love you forever!

Shannon

Sincerest condolences to your family during this time of great grief. Please find comfort in the verses at Jeremiah 29:11-13

Delia was once my mother-in-law but she passed away being my dear friend. We shared many laughs and many secrets with one another.

She couldn't wait for her 90th birthday. She was telling anyone who would listen that her 90th birthday was August 20th. She was so proud she was going to live that long. And oh the things she lived through plus living in 3 countries in those 90 years. With 9 children and a comedic husband her life wasn't always easy. She was soft spoken and tried to always be upbeat no matter what.

Delia loved to dance Irish dances. I can still see her and Martin dancing the Siege of Ennis and the swing dance. They were "couple number 1" on the dance floor.

I once asked her how many grandchildren and great grandchildren she had and her answer was, after trying to count them all, "a lot of each!" and then she giggled. She had a contagious giggle at that.

Tom and Ann were her greatest care takers. They were very devoted to her care. When Mary and Kolleen came into town from their respective states they got right into the help of caring for their mom. Marty used to stop by to see her with his son, Marty Jr, every day. Every one of her grown children was "there" for her and to care for her however they could. What a close loving family I saw caring for their elderly mother.

Her grandchildren would visit her and that brought her the most joy of all. I hear grandchildren and great grandchildren are the greatest joys. They sure were to Delia.

Even in the last week of her life she was still joking and laughing. A soft spoken woman was Delia.

Whether she was home or in the rehab center she wanted me to cut her hair. And when I would announce that I was there to cut her hair she would tell me, "you are? Well let's get on with it then." That used to make me laugh. But I would "get on with it.

I didn't get to see her the last week of her life but I had already started to miss her. Now I have no choice other than to miss her. I loved her like she was my own mother.

I'm sure she was "in Heaven at least an hour before the devil knew she was dead." And when she got there I'll lay odds that she and Marty were dancing a jig! I'll bet their grandson was there to greet her too. She missed both so much.

It's not "goodbye", it's I'll see you again someday Delia and Martin."

She was very proud of her Irish heritage and loved the Irish dancing and music. I sang "Danny Boy" for her several times while she was in the rehabilitation center. She loved my singing to her but not as much as she loved a young man singing on YouTube.

Shall I ne're see you more Gentle Mother. I love you "mom" an I miss you.

Very sorry to hear about Auntie Delia, she was a great character. She never forgot her roots and we always looked forward to the parcels from America as kids. May she rest in peace. From Anne Garvin Jnr and family or Annie Oakley as she used to call me. x

Our sympathies and special prayers for Delia and all the family.