Benita Kelly

1931 - 2026

Benita Kelly
Benita 'Bea' Kelly, born to Mary and John Dimitri on May 27, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY, lived in Stamford, CT from 1959 until her peaceful passing into the hands of Our Lord, on January 15, 2026 at the Regional Hospice in Danbury, CT. Bea was a loved and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, teacher, neighbor, St. Cecilia parishioner and friend of many generations over the course of her amazing 94 years. She dedicated her life to her family and her faith. Bea was a parishioner at St. Cecilia's Church from 1959 to the time of her death. She was president of the Rosary Altar Society for eight years at St. Cecilia's during the 1960s.
Bea valued her Catholic education from elementary through graduate school. She attended St. Gabriel's Elementary and High School in New Rochelle, NY; received an undergraduate degree in accounting at the University of Mount St. Vincent (1952) in Bronx, NY; and graduate degrees in theology and education from Fairfield University (1970), in Fairfield, CT. She was married at St. Gabriel's Church in New Rochelle, NY to Robert Francis Kelly on November 28, 1953, after which they immediately began raising their family. Bea was predeceased by her husband on October 30, 1967, after settling for her lifetime in Stamford, CT during early 1959. She remained a devoted mother of four beginning a 36-year career as an elementary school teacher at St. Cecilia School in 1970.
Her years teaching English and the Catholic religion at St. Cecilia, were truly a legacy of love. She adored her students and they adored her. For many years she orchestrated the annual Christmas Pageant as well as the Buy-a-Smile Holiday Fair. All proceeds from the fair being used to provide corrective surgery for children in Bolivia born with a cleft palate. Being a lifetime die hard NY Yankee fan her favorite activity with students was coordinating the yearly Spring bus trip to Yankee Stadium.
In her retirement Bea volunteered her time teaching catechism. She loved her monthly luncheons with her teacher friends as well as their book club get togethers. She also thoroughly enjoyed her many shopping excursions, especially to Costco and Kohls. Bea was also very content and happy just enjoying many peaceful hours on her deck taking in the sunshine. From April through September, and often October, you could be sure to find her in front of the TV watching every Yankee game.
Bea was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert, in 1967 and her loving daughter, Denise in 2025. She is survived by her son, Bryan Kelly (Denise), and daughters Janice Pearson (Roger) and Diane Kelly. Bea leaves behind cherished granddaughters, Julie Gunts (BJ) of New Canaan, CT; Michelle Kelly of East Sandwich, MA and Kristina Kelly of Columbia, MO. Her great grandchildren, Brady, Ellie and Charlie Gunts were the joy of her life during her final seven years.
Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21st, at Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Darien, CT.
Donations in Bea's memory may be made to The Catholic Academy of Stamford in Stamford, CT; Waveny Life Care Network, in New Canaan, CT; or Regional Hospice, in Danbury, CT.
If you wish to make a remembrance for the family, you may sign the family guestbook at www.bosakfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome .