Mary Brennan Kelly

Portsmouth - Mary Brennan Kelly, 83, passed away Saturday April 21, 2012 at the Edgewood Centre in Portsmouth, where she resided for the last nine years. Born July 16, 1928 in Rochester, NH she was the daughter of the late James and Pauline (Dubois) Brennan. Mary was a 1945 graduate of Spaulding High School in Rochester, NH, after which she worked as a telephone operator for New England Telephone before starting her family. She was a regular communicant of Saint Mary Church in Rochester, NH. Mary drew great strength and comfort from her faith. Her greatest pleasure was being a Nana to her grandchildren, as she devoted numerous hours of time and love to all of them. She loved spending time at the ocean, enjoyed bowling and reading. Mary was an avid sports fan of all the Boston teams. Her second greatest pleasure was helping others. Mary had once been a volunteer in the Rochester, NH Juvenile Diversion Program, spending time with and helping at risk youths. She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need expecting nothing in return. Surviving members of her family include her children Michael Kelly and wife, Jackie of Singapore; Timothy Kelly and wife, Lois of Andover, MA; Kathleen Christo and husband, Dr. Stephen Christo of Stratham, NH; and Maureen Turmelle and husband, James of Rochester, NH; her grandchildren Sean, Whitney, Scott, Ryan, Caitlin, Vanessa, Brandon, and Danielle, two brothers, James Brennan and wife, Marjorie of Gloucester, MA, Brian Brennan and wife, Diane of Rochester, NH, Sister-in-law Jacqueline Brennan of Rochester, NH; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Joseph "Dick" Brennan, Thomas Brennan and wife, Ann; her sister June (Brennan) McCarthy and husband, Thomas; and her niece Kelly Brennan. Family and friends may visit Friday April 27, 2012 from 4-7 PM at the R. M. Edgerly and Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main St. Rochester, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11AM at St. Mary Church in Rochester. Burial will follow in the St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter, 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472.