IN MEMORIAM: Mary ‘Babe’ Kelley, 93;

Oneonta Dental Hygienist For Decades

MARYLAND – Mary Winifred “Babe” Kelley, 93, a dental hygienist in Oneonta for decades, passed away peacefully with her family in attendance on Jan. 13, 2019, at Fox Hospital.

She was born June 20, 1925 in Elmira, the daughter of James and Catherine (McGarvey) Holleran.

Babe graduated from Elmira Catholic High on her birthday in 1943.  She went on to graduate from what is now known as Rochester Eastman Dental school as a dental hygienist.  She moved to Oneonta in 1945, where she began working for Dr. C.C. Gregory, later for his son Dr. Peter B. Gregory.  Her second retirement was from Dr. Donald Lynd’s office.

She married Frank S. Kelley on Oct. 15, 1955 in Oneonta.  He predeceased her on June 2, 1975.

Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She was involved in the community through her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.  She enjoyed being there for all their special moments.  Her family and friends were very treasured.  You were only a guest once in her home, then her back door was always opened and she welcomed all.  Mary loved to bake and cherished her family’s holiday meals and heading out Christmas morning for breakfast to all of her children’s homes.

She is survived by her children, Stephen Kelley, Kathleen (James) Verrelli, Theresa-Jo (David) Cyzeski,  Dorothy Kelley and Denise (Roger) Oliver, all of Oneonta; grandchildren, Bridgette Shepardson, Kelley-Anne Klein, Brendan Kelley, Caitlin Kelley, Ian Kelley, Danielle Oliver, Mary Catherine Verrelli, Rachael Oliver, Amber Verrelli and James Verrelli; great-grandchildren, Winnifred Shepardson and Maximillian Klein; a sister, Cecilia Jackman of LaFayette; many nieces and nephews; a special friend, Mary Hathaway and all her other dear friends whom touched her life.

She was predeceased by her brother, James Holleran, and sister, Frances Godwin.

Calling hours will be 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

The funeral mass will be at noon, Saturday Jan 19, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta.

Interment will be at a later time at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Donations may be sent to Milford Fire Department, Catskill Area Hospice or to the charity of one’s choice.

Online Condolences by be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com