Carole Ann Kelly

Carole Ann Kelly of Historic New Castle died peacefully on June 13, 2025 with loving family by her side, in the home where she lived since the age of four.
Carole was a lifelong resident of Historic New Castle from way back, before it got fancy and was simply called old. She was the daughter of W. Francis Kelly and Margaret Carlin Kelly and was surrounded throughout her life by a large and loving family. She had a relative on just about every block in town.
Carole graduated from the University of Delaware and began her teaching career spending 7 years at the Rosehill School in New Castle, then devoting 36 years teaching her beloved third graders at The Tatnall School. Her students brightened her days with their wonder. Carole and teaching partner, Murv Reese, were involved in eagerly-awaited projects like Famous Person's Day and their annual applesauce-making extravaganza with the children.
Carole enjoyed a lively retirement, working with student teachers for the University of Delaware and sitting on the scholarship committee of The Trustees of the New Castle Common. A constant throughout her life was St. Peter the Apostle church where she attended Mass, graduated from both the elementary and high school, and later served as a reader and member of the Environment Committee – adding her special touch by decorating beautifully for the liturgy.
Carole was enchanted by Lewes when she and her friend Ruth bought their happy little cottage on Cedar Street where laughter was the language and napping on the porch was required. She was generous with her love of Lewes. The door at 302 was always open to family and friends.
To her younger cousins, Carole was just neat, not necessarily in the tidy way, but in the interesting, impressive and enjoyable way. She introduced them to new places and new ideas along with artsy and antique-y little treasures. With her markers, stickers, and creative flair, plain white gift bags were transformed into personalized works of art for Christmas and every birthday.
She liked to read, watch MSNBC and QVC, and spent hours in her garden loving the flowers. She was a playful companion to her pups Smidgen, Hershey, and Jester. One wonders if there was anything she couldn't do. Well, there was the cooking, but she didn't go hungry. Her favorite meal consisted of Coke, pretzels, chips, and Breyers Natural vanilla ice cream. Perhaps that describes Carole best: she was the perfect combination of everything we love.
Carol touched many lives and was touched in turn by friends and neighbors too bountiful to name. She always remembered and cherished you.
Carole is survived by her first cousin, shopping buddy, dinner companion, and most recently, loving caretaker, Janet E. Carlin. She is also survived by cousins, Jack Kelly, Mary Lou Zent (Fran), Marsha Corcoran (John), Jimmy Zent (Robie), Peggie Losten; third generation cousins Warren Zent (Alicia), Stefan and Gabriel Losten, Jocelyn Cane (Phil), James Zent (Brittany), Kathleen, John Francis, and Patrick Corcoran; and Wendy DiGuglielmo (James), Christine Kelly (Ed), and Karen Kist (Dave). Then came along a fourth generation of loving little hearts. Also surviving is her dear friend Ruth P. Marshall and extended loved ones, especially those who carried the family name to Michigan.
A funeral Mass for Carole will be celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Historic New Castle on Thursday, June 19. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the St. Patrick's Society, care of St. Peter the Apostle Church, 521 Harmony Street, New Castle, DE 19720.