Barbara Kelly Obituary

Barbara Ann

Kelly

Resident of Hillsborough

Barbara passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Peninsula Hospital in Burlingame.

She was a life-time resident on the Peninsula and resided in Hillsborough for many of those years. She is survived by her husband Robert of 53 years and her daughter Laurie Petrini of Foster City. Barbara had four grandchildren: Anthony (and Erin) of Burlingame and Alexandra, Katherine, and Nicholas of Foster City plus two great-grandchildren: Madelyn and Austin.

Daughter of deceased William and Harriet Beckenhauer of Burlingame. Her siblings are Dennis (and Catherine) Beckenhauer of Augusta, Georgia and Bonnie (and Joe) O'Brien of Foster City.

She was a graduate of Burlingame High School and later received her nursing degree. Her main career was raising their daughter along with working with her husband in the family business for thirty-five years.

Her most important hobby was spending time with her grandchildren along with reading, gardening, and knitting. She was an active member of Safari Club Int'l and Sables as well as the Oregon-California Trails Association. She was so proud of her 98 pints donated with the Blood Center in Millbrae.

A Lutheran service will be held on Sunday, October 23, at Crosby-N. Gray , 2 Park Road, Burlingame with Viewing at 4 pm and Service at 6 pm. Private interment will be at St. John's Cemetery in San Mateo.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations in her honor to the American Lung Association (www.lungusa.org) or an organization of your choice. Arrangements by Crosby-N. Gray & Co. Burlingame, CA 650-342-6617

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Oct. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Kelly

6 Entries

January 7, 2012

Barbra I have just heard of your passing you have been in my thoughts everyday since the last time I saw you as always talking about family and then about what was ahead of you and you were so matter of fact as barbra was there was no short cuts in life and she was going to get thought this part of her life and give it all it takes, I had the pleasure of cutting barbra's hair the last 20 years and she was awesome we had so many laughs I going to miss that and her smile and all the love she had for her family how proud she was of all of you. she always wanted me to bring the boys up to see the game room in her home I was touch by that and regret that I didn't make the time. Barbra I'am going to miss you,my prays go to your family and may they have comfort in knowing that your memory will live on though all the people you have touched in your lifetime. Kathy LaSala (san carlos, ca)

Deanna Sedlemeyer

October 25, 2011

Barbara was one of the most special persons in my life. I loved her dearly. I knew she had breathing/lung problems but had no idea it had become so serious. We were hoping to get together this summer and it never happened. I regret I didn't put forth more effort to get down there then. I knew she couldn't come up here because of our altitude.

I can visualize Barbara in those last couple of days, that is so like her, so matter of fact. She loved her family so deeply and I know you all adored her as well. Like you, Jesus loved her unconditionally too. I rejoice in the fact that we will one day catch up with each other again in heaven.

As I am flooded with so many memories, you and all the family are in my prayers for peace and comfort.

Joe(y) O'Brien

October 24, 2011

From Joe(y) O'Brien, Jocelyn, Connor (Age 14) and Evan (Age 9).

At the age of 46, there are very few people that call me "Joey". You see, it is only those people that have known me for a very long time that still know me as "Joey". My Aunt Barbara is one of those people. Uncle Bob is one of those people. Cousin Laurie is one of those people. Despite the passing of so much time, at this moment we feel like life is too short. It's not enough. We want more time.

This past week, I was telling my son Connor about a man who was told he was going to lose his eyesight but the Doctor needed to run additional tests to confirm the diagnoses. The man was obviously very upset at the prospect of being blind for the rest of his life. After the tests were completed and they showed the man would not lose his eyesight after all, the man exclaimed to the doctor that giving him that good news was the greatest day of his life. This story puzzled me. I said to my son Connor, this man was simply given the news that his eyesight would be the exact same as before. Why wasn't yesterday the greatest day of his life too? Or the day before that, or week, or month before? Most importantly, why did it take receiving the doctors news on that day for him to suddenly realize it was the greatest day of his life? Why do we wait for news or events to remind us of how important the gift of our life is? Why do we wait to be reminded of the gift of others being in our life is?

My faith in the Lord tells me that my Aunt Barbara is with Him now. It is not easy for me to say this, but I think her passing to the Lord was the greatest day of Barbara's life. I also think, every day Barbara was with us here on earth, was the greatest day of our life.

Amen,
Joey O'Brien, Jocelyn, Connor and Evan.

Adrienne Servis

October 23, 2011

To the family of Barbara. Bonnie and I have been friends for 19yrs. I feel I know Barbara through.Bonnie. We are praying for this transition for all of you. Adrienne Servis and family

Joan Lo Giudice

October 21, 2011

Dearest Barbara,
I am so sorry you had to go through so much pain, but I know you are now at peace and with the Lord. I want to thank you for being such a sweet, loving, friend, and like a big sister to me. I will always remember your sweetness and your smile, I wil keep you close to my heart, as I go through my days here on Earth. I know I will see you again. And I thank you for all of the good memories you shared with us and our children, Sherie was just talking about your delicous rubharb pie. Hugs and kisses, Barbara, my prayers are with you and your wonderful family. So sorry for your loss Bob, Laurie and Family. Love and prayers from Tony and Joan

August 2008 -Bonnie/Babara

Bonnie O'Brien

October 21, 2011

Dear Sister Barbara, How I will miss you but I have no doubt that you reside in heaven with our heavenly Father, which gives me much joy. We will see each other again. You can trust me to continue to be that great Auntie Bonnie to Laurie and your grandchildren. It's "see you later." Love Bonnie

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