Obituary of Margaret Kelly

MMargaret “Peg” (Hodgdon) Kelly a woman devoted to her family and her church, passed away at Care One Wilmington after a long illness. The beloved wife of 59 years of Robert M. Kelly, she was 83 years old. Peg was born in Stoneham. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Hodgdon. She was raised and educated in Melrose and was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. After high school she worked at Etna Insurance as a Claims Adjuster. She would meet her future husband Bob through her Mom who worked with Bob at S.S. Pierce. They married on June 14, 1958 and settled in Bob’s home town of Burlington where they would raise their eight children. Peg volunteered at St. Margaret’s as a Religious Education Teacher for Grade 2 eventually becoming the Director of the second grade program. She ultimately became the Director of Religious Education, a position she held for over 35 years. Peg’s enthusiasm and devotion to the program laid the foundation and its success for many years to come. Peg was there at every important event at the church; First Communions, May Processions, First Communion Breakfasts, Confirmation and CCD Graduations. While doing all this volunteer work for the church she also worked as the Office Manager at St. Margaret’s for over 30 years. Most days, she was the first person that would greet you when you walked into the rectory. She was the face of the rectory for many years. Peg was a hardworking mother who raised 8 children. She was a strong willed woman who knew how to get things done in both her personal life and her professional life. With her strong work ethic and her generosity to others, she was a role model for her children. Tuesday evenings were a special night at the Kelly household with Father John Crispo joining them for dinner. He was like an extended member of the family. Peg, Bob and the family enjoyed vacationing at York Beach and Cape Cod. During their retirement years they enjoyed taking weekly day trips to Gloucester. She enjoyed taking occasional trips to Foxwoods and loved a good game of bingo. Peg loved babies and was always excited to have a new grandchild or great grandchild. She never forgot her grandchildren’s birthdays or special life events. She always hand delivered a special birthday card and even in her declining years insisted on being present at family events and celebrations. Peg will be remembered for her love of her husband Bob and the unconditional love and the foundational values she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Peg was the Beloved Wife of Robert M. Loving mother of Robert & his wife Kim of Malden, Stephen & his wife Renee of Londonderry, NH, Peggy DeRosa & her husband Rocky of Burlington, William & his wife Kristen of Stoneham, Lorraine Kelly & her partner Tommy Lee of Billerica, Carol Cook & her husband Marty of Billerica, Christopher & his wife Catherine of Sudbury and James & his wife Donna of Boston. Sister of the late Mary Frances Mason of Melrose. Also survived by 22 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorials in Peg’s name may be made to St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803.