Louise M. Kelley

Louise Marie (Girard) Kelley - "Mimi" to her grandchildren - passed away peacefully in her home of 66 years in Dover. She was the beloved wife of Elbert William Kelley for 34 years until his unexpected death in 1989.
Louise raised three boys in Dover while working alongside Elbert. She never missed her sons' basketball games and often cooked three separate dinners to accommodate their athletic schedules before rushing them to games. Their summers were filled with gatherings among lifelong friends - the Leightons, McEwans, Kidneys, McNallys, Reddens, Wilsons, Butterfields, and Kageleirys. Louise was always at the center, laughing with everyone and treating each child with love.
At her Dover High School 40th reunion, Louise found a second love in Bill Polychronopoulos. They traveled the world together, even taking up snow skiing at age 58, enjoying many winters on the slopes into her late 70's.
Louise lived by her mantra: "If you can't say something nice about a person, then say nothing at all." She created a home of happiness and peace, always grateful for what she had, never complaining or gossiping. She was there to provide a shoulder to lean on and listen to someone's troubles.
For two decades, Louise hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the Kelley family. When her home grew too small for the expanding families, she partnered with her daughter-in-law Gail, once serving 44 relatives at one sitting - always one of the best days of the year. She also hosted many lunches with her brothers and sisters and, later in life, her wonderful friends Connie Duffy, Barbara Spillane, and Susan Drady.
She worked many jobs throughout her life, ending her career with Sumner Printing Company, where the Davis family and her coworkers became treasured friends. When her maid of honor, Barbara Spillane, unexpectedly knocked on her door 45 years after the wedding, their friendship resumed as if no time had passed.
Mimi loved all her grandchildren dearly. While living locally, her granddaughter Erin visited her every Thursday and then flew from Florida every 6-8 weeks during Mimi's final year. Mimi's favorite pastime was watching the Piscataqua River from her bay window - especially when Chip and his son Chase made their lobster runs, stopping in to share their catch. She also enjoyed slow cruises around Piscataqua aboard Chip's boat, surrounded by family.
Louise is survived by her loving partner of 34 years Bill Polychronopoulos, her brother Roland and his wife Angie of Dover, her children Kevin, Jerry, and Chip Kelley; her daughters-in-law Gail, Erin and Kathy; seven grandchildren - Erin Kelley Hoppe, Shannon Kelley Sturgill, Brandon, Shane, Clinton, Ashley Kelley Gallant, and Chase Kelley - and eleven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Elbert William Kelley; sisters Connie Cole and Claire Gauvin; and brothers Victor and Burt Girard.
Services will be held at Tasker Funeral Home on January 24th, with visiting hours from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Father Aggie will say prayers from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by an opportunity for attendees to share memories and stories. Internment will be held this spring for family only.