JoAnne D Kellett

JoAnne Eleanor Danahy Kellett passed away peacefully at home in Carlsbad, California, on April 27, 2025, at the age of 89.
JoAnne was born on October 22, 1935, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Ruth (née Middleton) and Paul Danahy. She was raised in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, alongside her two brothers, Paul and David. She attended local public schools and graduated from Saint Mary's High School in Milford, Massachusetts. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Framingham State College (now Framingham State University) and began her career as a first-grade teacher.
In 1958, JoAnne married Cyril Kellett of Milford, Massachusetts. They shared a remarkable 73-year friendship and 65 years of devoted marriage. Together, they raised seven children: Mary Elizabeth, Amy, Cyril, Thomas, Patrick, Anne, and David.
In 1967 and 68, while her husband served in Viet Nam, JoAnne cared for their first five children, all under the age of six.
JoAnne was a life-long committed Catholic who supported the missions and other institutions of the Catholic Church. She often spoke of Jesus Christ as her savior. Having a profound love of children and a unique talent to teach, she spent many years teaching CCD at Saint Patrick's school. Especially during her children's teen years, her table regularly welcomed many unplanned guests. She fulfilled her life's dream of Catholic Faith, marriage, motherhood, and family.
Joanne accompanied her husband to Mexico on a number of medical missions and was a medical assistant in the office for several years. A pro-life Catholic, JoAnne prayed every day that her family would remain close to God and the Catholic Church. She had the Papal honor of Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents and brothers. She is survived by her husband Cyril, their seven children and their spouses, 19 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.