Obituary of M. Jean Kelly

Kelly, M. Jean April 2, 1925 … September 3, 2016 M. Jean (Shouldice) Kelly mother, teacher, world traveller, genealogist and lifelong member of the United Church of Canada died at age 91 of complications from a stroke. Pre-deceased by her husband of 63 years Edwin R. Kelly, she will be lovingly remembered by her family, Jeanette (Jessica, Elsa, Paule) and Normand Rhéaume; Sharon and his wife Barbara (Ryan, Jesse); Ted and his wife Jan (Chase, Maggie); Paul and his wife Beth (Emma): Bob and his wife Carla (Graham, Calvin); Julia and her husband Wayne (Caralina, Georgia). She also leaves her two sisters, Eileen Paterson and Millie (Brian) Veale. Jean was born on a farm in Chesley, Ontario, the daughter of Milton and Carrie Shouldice. Jean took her teaching degree at the Normal School in Toronto and taught for two years at a one-room school in Vesta before moving to a Grade 2 class in Preston. Jean met Edwin Kelly at a dance in Grand Bend and they married in 1950 living with his parents in Lambeth while Edwin and his father built their first house. She fulfilled her wish of having 6 children, perhaps to recreate her own family, having lost three siblings, two at a young age and her older brother, Graham. She self-published a book about her brother Graham, which featured his letters home and correspondence from his family as he trained and then flew as an RCAF Spitfire Pilot in WW11. She travelled extensively with Edwin, visiting five continents. One of the great pleasures in her life was researching, documenting and organizing a reunion for Shouldice families across North America and in Ireland. Her interest in the history of her Shouldice ancestors led her on trips to the National Archives in Ottawa and to the family homestead in Ireland. Jean was an active leader in the United Church in Lambeth and Metropolitan United in London. She was a kind, patient mother and loving grandmother. A gracious woman, she led by example, and will be remembered for her lovely smile and her quiet, calm demeanor. The family would like to express our immense gratitude for the loving care she received at Westmount Gardens by the staff and for the special attention given to her by Diane Whitesell and Mary Leduc. Friends may visit at the McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Road, South , Lambeth 519-652-2020 on Thursday from 7-9 pm. The celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the Lambeth United Church 4268 Colonel Talbot Road, London, Ont. on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 2:00 pm with visitation from 1-2 pm. Interment Woodland Cemetery. Donations to the charity of choice gratefully acknowledged. On-line condolences are available through www.mcfarlane-roberts.ca.