Joanne Elizabeth Kelly

JoAnne Elizabeth Kelly

Of New Milford, PA

JoAnne Elizabeth Kelly went to be with her Lord on May 10, 2023 at the age of 92.  She is survived by her husband, John Kelly, her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Thomas Gordon of New Milford, son Bill Kelly of Jackson, grandson Michael Kelly of Endwell, daughter-in-law and son, Pam and John Kelly Jr. of Houston, TX and Peggy Doran whom she considered to be like a second daughter to her.  Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-law, Sheldon and Marion Davis of Northville, Michigan, sister-in-law Beverly Kelly of Tunkhannock, and several nieces and nephews along with her dear friends including Carol, Betty, Elaine and Charlotte.

JoAnne was born in Wilkes Barre, PA.  After graduating from Wilkes College (now Wilkes University) with a degree in education in 1952, she taught three years in Cedarhurst, Long Island.  She then moved to Randolph Township, New Jersey where she taught five years.  In 1964, JoAnne moved to New Milford, PA where she taught in the Blue Ridge School District until she retired in 1993.

JoAnne was a very active member of the Lakeside Methodist Church where she was the head of the Ad. Board and on the Pastor-Parish Board.  When that church closed, she became a member of the New Milford Methodist Church.  There, she enjoyed serving as the head of the telephone prayer chain for many years.  As her declining health left her unable to attend church, she still maintained a close relationship with her church friends.

In addition, JoAnne was an active member of the Louise Bache Women’s Club in New Milford, a former member of the Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Society International and a member of the library board of Pratt Memorial Library in New Milford.

Most of all, JoAnne was a loving mother, grandmother and friend.  She always enjoyed spending time with her family and played a large part in the raising of her grandson Michael.  Her friends have described her as one of the most giving and caring persons they have known.

JoAnne’s family would like to thank her care team at the Endless Mountain Health System in Montrose, at the Barnes-Kasson Hospital in Susquehanna, and at the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) in Susquehanna.  She also had a team of home caregivers who included Betty, Jenn, Danielle, Kathy B. and Kathy T.  They all showed wonderful love and compassion to JoAnne.

The family will receive friends at the New Milford Methodist Church, 69 Pratt St. New Milford, PA starting at 4 P.M. on Monday, May 15th, immediately to be followed by a Celebration of Life at the church starting at 5 P.M.  Following the Celebration of Life, refreshments will be served also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to either the Pratt Memorial Library 752 Main St. New Milford, PA 18834, the New Milford Methodist Church 69 Pratt St. New Milford, PA 18834 or to the True Friends Animal Shelter 16332 PA-706, Montrose, PA 18801.