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Julia Kelly Obituary
Julia (Judy) B. Kelly, age 85, of Bowie, Maryland, died on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Julia was born to Dona and Gertrude Brisson on February 22, 1939, in Exeter, New Hampshire. After college, she moved to Maryland and taught elementary school for 36 years. A devoted Catholic, Julia was active in the Cursillo Movement and at her parish, St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.
Julia married John J. Kelly on June 25, 1966, and raised four sons. She spent most of her career teaching first grade. Her favorite part was helping children learn to read. Starting at schools in the Annapolis area, Julia found a home at St. Bernard’s Elementary in Riverdale where she taught 27 years.
Among the values most important to her were love, gratitude, forgiveness and service. She lived these values through her work as a companion to the dying, hospice volunteer, church lector, Eucharistic Minister and CCD teacher and her daily interactions.
Julia was an avid reader and could finish a good book in a day. She most enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, sons and extended family, hosting large gatherings during the holidays and at the beach. She will be remembered with love by all who knew her.
Julia is survived by her sons Sean, Christopher, Brendan, and Timothy; daughters-in law, Kath, Anne and Laura; grandchildren, Ryan, Megan, Matthew, Nicholas, Joseph, Madeleine, Jonah, Elias and Jazarah; sister, Geraldine Spencer; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband John J. Kelly, brothers Bernard, Paul and Richard Brisson and sister Dorothy Saunders.
Wake will be held Sunday, January 26, 2-4 p.m. at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Highway (Rt 3-South), Bowie, MD 20715. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, January 27, 11 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 1940 Mitchellville Road, Bowie, MD 20716. Burial will follow Mass at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 West Central Ave (Rt 214), Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julia's name to: Little Friends for Peace, 15400 Old Marshall Hall Road, Accokeek, MD 20607; Catholic Charities of Baltimore, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; or The Washington Cursillo Movement 2419 Monroe Street, NE Washington, DC 20018; [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Julia Kelly
Steve Jacobs
January 26, 2025
I remember Mrs. Kelly as a teacher at St Bernard's. She taught my sons at the school. She was a gifted teacher and could handle the young children with patience and grace.
Emmeline
January 24, 2025
I'll always remember her smile and kindness at Cursillo meetings and events. She was a very pleasant person. May her soul rest in perfect peace and may light perpetual sine on her.
Fr William Foley
January 23, 2025
I have fond memories of her when I was pastor of St Edwards. In fact, I celebrated the Funeral Mass for her husband. I have offered Mass for her in my chapel here in New Hampshire. - Father Bill Foley
Nancy Bryce
January 23, 2025
Judy's wonderful, joyful, all-embracing spirit will be missed. She taught religious education to my grandsons and was a dedicated and caring teacher. She will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace. Amen.
Kathy Schmitt
January 22, 2025
Judy's love of life, family, and God was evident in all she did. I enjoyed talking with her and learning from her wise and funny stories. My heart goes out to her family and friends who are missing her warm and welcoming presence. May we all be inspired by her life of love and service.
Shelia M Vallot
January 22, 2025
Judy was an awesome Lady very active in the Cursillo Movement. She was a table leader on the last team I coordinated. She will be truly missed. Well done Good and Faithful servant. Shelia Vallot
Ginny Novak
January 21, 2025
Judy was a dear friend, a special woman with a heart full of love. She especially loved her wonderful family! Also, Catechetics, Cursillo Movement!
Judy will make heaven even more joyful!
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