ELIZABETH "BETTY" KELLEY

KELLEY, Elizabeth "Betty" (Bender) Age 93, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Betty was born August 18, 1931, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. The daughter of the late Dr. Frank C. Bender and Helen (Vizard) Bender, Betty was the second oldest of five siblings. Betty attended and graduated from Rosemont College in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, where she earned both her Bachelor and Master's degrees of education. For over 50 years, Betty devoted her life to teaching elementary-aged children, shaping not only young minds, but also the hearts and futures of generations. Beyond a place of learning, her classroom was a place of discovery, encouragement, creativity and joy. She believed that every child had a special gift within them, and she made it her mission to help each achieve it. Her love for teaching was matched only by her love for learning. A true lifelong learner, she embraced change with grace and curiosity, always seeking new ways to connect and grow. Whether that was learning something completely new or building on a skill. Betty was an incredible cook and baker and it was one of the ways she showed her love. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth and laughter, where everyone was welcomed. She didn't just make meals, she created memories. Her faith was the quiet, steady foundation of her life, a constant source of strength, comfort and purpose. She didn't wear it loudly, but she lived it fully. Whether through giving generously of her time, serving on numerous committees and volunteering for events and outreach efforts of her church community or to the values she passed down to her children. Her love of God was evident in everything she did. Her faith wasn't just something she believed, it was something she embodied. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Dr. Frank L. Kelley. She is survived by her children, Frank L. Kelley, Jr. and his wife, Traci of Virginia, Maryhelen Kelley of Boston, Brian Kelley and his wife, Elise of Beverly Farms and Elizabeth Kelley of Marblehead; the cherished grandmother of Joseph, Kathryn, Jack, Kaitlyn, Paul (wife, Samantha), Patrick (wife, Saige), Iseabail and McKeown Kelley; and great-grandmother of Mateo; the dear sister of Frank C. Bender, Jr. (Liz); and the aunt and great-aunt of several nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours: Was held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, on Friday, July 11, at Eustis & Cornell of MARBLEHEAD, 142 Elm Street, followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated at 11:30 AM, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead. Interment at Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead was private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Adopt a Classroom, www.adoptaclassroom.org in honor of Betty. Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead 142 Elm Street (781) 631-0076 eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com

View the online memorial for Elizabeth "Betty" (Bender) KELLEY