Alexandra Mary "Sandy" Kelley

KELLEY, Alexandra Mary "Sandy " (nee Smith) Sandy Kelley died May 6, 2009 at Rose Manor, Victoria, B.C. She was born October 23, 1920 to John Donald Smith and Margaret Ann Innes in Inverurie, Scotland. She met her future husband in Scotland and married in 1945, travelling to her new home in Canada in June 1946. Mom was pre-deceased by her husband of 62 years, Hugh Bernard Kelley, her son David John Kelley, her sisters Agnes, Helen and Jean and her brother William. She is survived by her daughters Helen (John) Edwards and Meg (Wayne) Roberts, and the pride of her life, her beloved 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Mom was known for many years for her volunteer work. She was an active member of the congregation of St. John the Divine from the week she arrived in Canada until her death and served on many committees and groups over the years including Junior Auxiliary, Girls Auxiliary, Sunday School, Junior Choir, Anglican Church Women, and the Chancel Guild. She also helped in the church office until her health declined. Mom was always active in her children's activities, spending hours with PTA, the Scouting movement, choirs, orchestra, band, and whatever activities her children were involved with. Mom was rarely seen with idle hands. She knitted incredible sweaters for people all over the world and donated hundreds of items to charities including CFAX Santa's Anonymous. Dad interested Mom in baseball and that began a decades-long passion for the sport. She was a season ticket holder of the Seattle Mariners from Day 1 and attended games regularly until the last year when she was no longer able to travel. She was known and loved by the team management, the broadcasters and many of the players, and had an extensive collection of personally signed memorabilia. Mom was also a fan of Dixieland Jazz and she and Dad travelled to Jazz Festivals all over the world. They made many long-time friends in the jazz world and we are sure they will raise a glass in her honour at the next festival. Mom worked for years at the Coast Guard in the personnel department and maintained relationships with many of her co-workers long after she retired. She was known as a dedicated bowler and spent many happy hours at both Gibson's and Town and Country Lanes. In her later years, Mom became very involved with Threshold Housing. She felt very strongly that young people deserved a chance at a good life and served on their board for many years. As she grew ill, she reduced her volunteer involvement with other groups, but was still on the board of Threshold at the time of her death. The family would like to thank all the staff and residents at Rose Manor who welcomed Mom to her new home and made her part of their family. She loved you all and felt very welcome. Thanks also to Dr. Frank Egan for his care of Mom for the past few years. A celebration of Sandy's life will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Church of St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street, Victoria. After the service, a reception will be held in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in her memory to Threshold Housing Society, c/o Synod Office, 912 Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3V7, so that they may continue their good work. 540925