Geraldine E. Kelley

1932 - 2024

Geraldine E. Kelley
1932 - 2024
Geraldine "Gerri" Evelyn Moynihan Kelley, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 3, 1932, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, Gerri was the beloved wife of the late Gregory A. Kelley and the cherished daughter of the late John Joseph and Adele Nevaras Moynihan.
Gerri graduated from Central State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and devoted her life to working with special needs students, where her compassion and dedication left a lasting impact. Early in her career, she took great pride in helping to establish the bakery at MARC Inc., where she helped her students learn valuable life skills through baking.
She later continued her passion at ROTC, where she taught special needs students in the Food Service Industry. There, she empowered her students to become independent and self-sufficient, guiding them toward success in the workforce and enriching their lives in meaningful ways. Gerri's unwavering commitment to her students will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Gerri's dedication to her special needs students went beyond the classroom. She took great pride in coaching them in cross-country skiing for the Special Olympics.
In 1993, Gerri and her late husband relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, where they became devoted parishioners at St. Columbkille in South Fort Myers. A woman of deep faith, Gerri was a devout Catholic who dedicated much of her time to serving others. She found great fulfillment in volunteering at the Gladioulus Food Pantry Outreach Program, particularly through distributing meals to those in need, always striving to give back to those less fortunate in her community.
Gerri's life was a tapestry of love, adventure, music, and cherished memories. She was a devoted mother of six. Her adventurous spirit shone brightly when she embraced the thrilling challenge and skied Tuckerman's Ravine in New Hampshire, showcasing her courage and love of adventure. She shared this passion with her children, teaching all of them to ski and instilling in them the same love for the slopes.
An avid sports enthusiast, Gerri began each morning by immersing herself in the latest game statistics. She had a deep love for the Boston Red Sox and UConn Basketball Teams. Reading the morning stats became a cherished ritual, reflecting her passion and unwavering devotion to her favorite teams.
Music was the heartbeat of Gerri's soul. With her cherished choir group, she traveled the world, singing in some of the most renowned cathedrals, including Notre Dame, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and St. Mark's Basilica. Among her most treasured experiences was the extraordinary honor of singing for the Pope in Rome.
Alongside her beloved husband, she explored the United States, visiting lighthouses that stood as symbols of guidance and hope. Their shared passion led to a treasured collection of lighthouse mementos, pieces we will forever cherish in her memory.
Gerri's legacy is one of love, exploration, and harmony. Her radiant spirit continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will forever light our way.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Janet Bonner and her husband Al of Somers, CT, Lyn Kelley of Bolton, CT, and Tracy Watt of Manchester, CT and the late James Watt, as well as her sons Brian Kelley of Manitou Springs, CO and the late Maureen Kelley, and Chris Kelley and his wife Sally of Vernon, CT, and her daughter-in-law, Nancy Bonner of Manitou Springs, CO. Gerri was predeceased by her beloved son, Gregory A. Kelley Jr., and her brothers, Francis Moynihan and Robert Moynihan. She leaves behind 12 cherished grandchildren: Kellie, Galen, Dylan, Sarah, Kora, Channing, Ryan, Danielle, Joe, Sean, Cameron and Blake. Gerri's legacy also includes her 20 great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on September 18, 2024, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home located at 219 W. Center St., Manchester CT 06040. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Church on September 19, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. located at 896 Main Street, Manchester CT 06040. Following Mass burial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Massachusetts National Cemetery located at 1 Connery Avenue, Bourne, MA 02542.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Gerri's profound love for children with special needs, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to MARC, Inc., 151 Sheldon Rd., Manchester, CT 06042, or online at www.marcct.org. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.