It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, Marie Elizabeth Kelly, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Glace Bay Hospital.

Marie, daughter of Michael “Mick” and Elizabeth “Bess” (Gouthro) O’Connell, was born and raised in Glace Bay, the community she proudly called home. In her younger years, she lived and worked in Montreal before returning home to Glace Bay, where she worked in retail and later served in various roles at the Seaview Manor. In later years, Marie returned to school, earned her Red Seal certification, and eventually retired as Seaview Manor’s head cook.

Marie was a kind and gentle woman who cherished the simple things in life, freely gave of herself, and was always ready to help those in need.

Marie was predeceased by her loving husband, Jerome Kelly.

She is survived by her son, Jerome (Shauna) Kelly; daughters, Arlene (Phil) Kelly-Wiggins and Judy (Paul) Kelley; special nephew, Brent (Susan) O’Connell; grandchildren, Brooke, Breagh and Bryden Kelly, Erin and Emma Wiggins, and Maria Kelley; special grandniece and grandnephew, Kenza and Grady O’Connell; and her special grandchildren, Julia and Mathew Yang.

She is also survived by her brothers, Francis (Ruth) and Leo (Judy), and her sisters, Cathy (Frank) Bird and Rose O’Connell.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Michael (Mary), Dan Joe (Linda), John Blaise (Mary), Ray and Adrian, and by her sisters, Carol (Johnny) Helle and Patsy (Brian) Baillie.

She is also survived by her husband’s brothers, Dennis (Marie), Jude (Elaine), John (Dorothy) and William (Mary), and by her husband’s sisters, Cleo (Peter) Egan and Anne Marie (Gordon) Boudreau.

She was predeceased by her husband’s brothers, Edward “Ned” (Anna) and Bernie (Dorothy “Dot”), and by her husband’s sisters, Mary (William) MacAulay, Pearl (Daniel “Bunny”) MacDonald, Arlene Kelly, and Caroline and Elizabeth in infancy.

Marie leaves behind a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

In honouring Marie’s wishes, there will be no visitation or memorial Mass. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glace Bay Food Bank at: glacebayfoodbank@gmail.com

The family wishes to convey their warmest thanks to Marie’s extended Korean families (Ester, Karen, and Jake) and to the broader Korean community, whose unwavering prayers, frequent visits, love, and appreciation provided her with much happiness and helped to sustain her through difficult times.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Marie’s New Waterford Home Care Workers, whose hard work, compassion, friendship and love made it possible for her to remain in her home.

 They also wish to thank Glace Bay Hospital’s dedicated team on the west wing of the third-floor for their exceptional care, support, understanding, and compassion during Marie’s extended stay.

 A special thank you to Francis and Ruth for being there when Marie needed them the most.

Thank you - Marie was blessed to have you all in her life, especially during her most vulnerable times.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca