Sylvia Kelley

1937 - 2022

Sylvia Olney Kelley passed away on December 13, 2022 after a multi-year battle with progressive dementia. Sylvia was born on August 22, 1937 in Newport News, Va. to Ruth Evelyn and Willard Winston Olney. After graduating from Warwick High School in Newport News, Sylvia received a B.A. in Education from Westhampton College at the University of Richmond and master's degree in Education from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Sylvia taught Social Studies, Government and World Geography at Warwick Junior and Ferguson High Schools before moving into administration to become an assistant principal and assistant superintendent with the Newport News school district. After marrying Frank G. Kelley and moving to Vermont, Sylvia served as the first female Assistant Superintendent of the Burlington Vermont school district. Sylvia left her position when she and Frank purchased the Newcastle Inn on the Maine coast and subsequently, the Lawnmere Inn located in Boothbay, Maine. They also owned and managed a KOA campground near the small town of Damariscotta, Maine.

Sylvia loved to travel the world and was fortunate to call Boothbay, Maine, Key West, Florida and the small village of Pittenweem, Scotland her homes. Sylvia will be remembered always for her sage advice, love of travel, culinary talent, and cultural appreciation.

Sylvia is pre-deceased by her husband Frank, brothers John and Buddy as well as her parents Ruth and Willard. She is survived by her husband Frank's son Sean Kelley, sister Amelia Hellman, nieces Susan Olney, Stacey Olney-Whitesell, Sarah Hutchinson and Hannah Hellman, her two nephews John Olney Jr. and Will Olney as well as her great nieces and nephews, Andrew Blatnik, Luke Olney, Emma Clare Mertz, Katherine Mertz, Madeline Olney and Hazel Hutchinson.

Please make any memorial gifts to the Alzheimer's Association.