Hannelore Kelly

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hannelore Kelly, 86, of Barnegat, New Jersey on May 6, 2025.
Hannelore was a dedicated mother to her two sons John James (Linda) Kelly and Robert William (Stephanie) Kelly. A gracious Oma to Robert W. Kelly Jr., Heather (Casey) Kelly, Meghan (Brandon) Salsbery, William Sharkey, Julia Kelly and Greg Johnson, and Joseph Kelly. As well as a loving Groß Oma to Emma "Aster" Sharkey, Kyra Sharkey, and Harper Salsbery. She is also survived by her extended family and close friends.
She is preceded in death by her soul mate John Kelly Sr; parents Walter and Anna Markus and brothers Walter and Dietmar Markus.
The beginning of Hannelore's life was arduous. Her childhood in Jilava, Czechoslovakia (now modern day Czech Republic) was interrupted by war, occupation and displacement from her home. During this time her family found refuge in the little medieval town of Tauberbischofsheim, Germany. She loved to tell stories about her life here, the most memorable of which being about going to primary school in a castle.
In 1959 her life brought her to the United States where she met the love of her life John Kelly Sr. with whom she would spend the best parts of her life along with her two children.
She worked at Janney Montgomery Scott as an administrative assistant in downtown Philadelphia. She also had a longstanding career as a pharmacy tech at Southern Ocean County Hospital. She always felt that work kept her young and she was very reluctant to retire.
The challenges in her life created the resilient, strong-willed, sharp-witted woman that we knew well, for better or worse. But it was her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that would soften her edge and help her find balance.
As serious as she was, she knew how to have a good time when the opportunity called for it, such as annual Oktoberfest celebrations and family holidays. She took pleasure in the little rituals in life, such as her daily trips to see the bay, and chatting with guests in her home over cheese or coffee. All who knew her will continue to carry these moments and her memory with them.
Services for Hannelore are private and have been entrusted to Life Celebration by Givnish.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge. https://ahs.givecloud.co/tribute