Daphne Ware Kelly

Daphne Ware Kelly

July 2, 1944 - June 28, 2025

Daphne Ware Kelly died on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at her home in Mechanicsville, Virginia, surrounded by loved ones. She was 80 years old. Daphne was beloved by her children, Patrick Kelly, Betsy Kelly, and Kevin Kelly, and by her twin sister, Derry Ware. Her survivors also include her daughters-in-law, Amy Kelly and Katie Feo Kelly, and her grandchildren, Brynn Kelly, Edwin Kelly, and Victoria Kelly.



Daphne was born on July 2, 1944, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Derry Forrest Ware and Anne Forbes Ware. She was preceded in death by her adored grandmother, Anne Doar Forbes; her parents, and her husband, Patrick Colin Kelly, who died in 1995. Her dog, Sam, was also a cherished part of her life for many years.



Daphne and Colin met at Johns Hopkins University and married in 1968. They moved to Long Beach, California, at the conclusion of, Colin's military service. Though Daphne eventually returned to the Virginia of her youth, she loved the West and especially California, where she became a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and UCLA basketball, as well as an avid gardener. Her adventurous spirit, inquiring mind, and eye for beauty led her to a wide range of interests; Daphne was never afraid to try her hand at something new, and often went on to explore it in depth. She studied Russian literature, volunteered at a public jazz radio station, collected Native American art, traveled to Cuba and Mexico, learned to fly fish in the Owens River, carved gourds, and grew many varieties of roses. Continuing a family tradition, she created phenomenal, intricately hand-stitched quilts. She was also a gifted cook who liked to experiment with new recipes and make old favorites for her loved ones - her fried chicken and her lemon meringue pie were legendary. Daphne had a strong sense of justice that prompted her to serve as a reading tutor in Long Beach public schools, and to advocate for Democratic candidates and progressive causes throughout her life. Her greatest passion was reading, and she was always excited to share her responses to a novel or what she had learned from an article in the Los Angeles Times, and later the New York Times.

Daphne was educated as a nurse, and held a variety of jobs and volunteer positions, but her most meaningful contributions were to her family through her curiosity, creativity, thoughtfulness, and love. She was always ready for fun, be it a cross-country adventure in a converted van or an outing to a restaurant, concert, or bookstore, birdwatching at a beach or from the porch, playing Scrabble or a game of catch in the yard. She strongly supported others' interests, sharing in their excitement and making sure they had what they needed to keep learning. She had sparkling eyes, a great laugh, and the warmest hugs. These words can only begin to describe Daphne's vibrant life and what she meant to those who loved her, and who will continue to love her forever.



Following her wishes, a small family gathering was held to honor Daphne and celebrate her life. Her family is grateful to those who have reached out with condolences and memories. Those wishing to honor her are asked to contribute to local public libraries, public gardens, food banks, progressive causes, or Democratic candidates.