Grace KELLY

KELLY, Grace (Courtney) Off Braintree, Massachusetts and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, formerly of Dorchester and West Quincy, affectionately known as "Grandy" or "Hurricane Grace", a cherished woman whose life was a beautiful tapestry of devotion, laughter and kindness, left us peacefully on January 22, 2025, after a wonderful life, at the age of 90.

Born in Boston on March 1, 1934, to the late Stephen Courtney and Marie (Finn) Courtney. Grace was raised in the Cedar Grove section of Dorchester, where her vibrant personality and warm heart quickly became apparent to all who knew her. After graduating from Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury, her love for learning led her to Boston State College, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree and later a Master's Degree in Education.

Grace enjoyed a dedicated career as an elementary school teacher for the Town of Hull. She inspired countless third graders with her humor and life lessons. She was proud of her students, many of whom went on to successful careers in business and in the United State military.

Grace found her partner for life, Paul C. Kelly, from Brighton, Massachusetts and they shared 67 years of marriage. Together, they nurtured a family filled with fun, love and laughter. She was the loving mother of Paul S. Kelly and his wife, Claire of Plymouth, Mark J. Kelly and his wife, Elaine of Braintree and Grace White and her husband, Patrick of Braintree. Grace's role as a mother was one of her greatest joys and her love and guidance were the cornerstones of her children's lives.

The joy of family extended to her role as "Grandy," as she was referred to by her adoring grandchildren: Patrick, Sean, Drew, Matt, Brian, Marty, Caroline Grace, Paul and Courtney Grace. Grandy spent treasured time and created lifetime memories with each of her children and grandchildren at family events, parties and vacations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Grace was predeceased by sister, Marie Hester, with whom she had a life-long friendship, with many long calls and holidays together. Her legacy continues through the memories of her children, grandchildren and her many nieces, nephews and friends, who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

An active member of her community, Grace found pleasure in the camaraderie and activities at Wollaston Golf Club in Milton, where she was a long-standing member. She also enjoyed her time as a member of Lago Mar Resort and Beach Club in Ft. Lauderdale. Grace's love for entertainment was legendary, she threw great parties and her favorite holidays, Halloween and Christmas, were always occasions for joyous laughter and celebration.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Grace will remember her for her loving nature, her kindness, which knew no bounds and her fantastic sense of humor that lit up any room. She was the epitome of a life well-lived, always placing her family at the center of her world. Her passion for her children and grandchildren was unmatched and she followed their activities and successes with pride and joy.

Summed up by her husband, Paul, after her passing: "It's a sad day in the Kelly House. Grandy was a great lady and we had years of fun, laughs and great memories. I will miss her every day".

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Visiting hours on Sunday, January, 26, from 2:00-6:00 PM, in the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington St., BRAINTREE. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 27, at 10:00 AM, in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 850 Washington St., Braintree. Burial will follow in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, visit http://www.cartwrightfuneral.com