Obituary of Nancy F Kelly

Mrs. Nancy Ferns Kelly died peacefully after a long illness on March 7, 2018, in Basking Ridge New Jersey at the age of 90.

Nancy was born on July 28, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York.  A proud Bay Ridge resident, Nancy attended Fort Hamilton High School and graduated in 1945. She worked for 13 years at IBM in the Brooklyn sales office as the Executive Secretary to the Branch Manager, where she also met her husband of 59 years, Henry (Hank) W. Kelly.

Nancy and Hank have lived in Basking Ridge for 48 years. An avid community volunteer, Nancy was presented in 2008 with a YMCA Volunteer Recognition Award for her work with the Bonafides of Somerset Hills, the Basking Ridge Garden Club, and Meals on Wheels.  A member of both Bonafides and the Garden Club for more than 30 years, Nancy served as Bonafides President in 1979 and 1987.  Whether assisting with fundraising, delivering meals to seniors or “just being an extra pair of hands,” Nancy’s bright blue eyes, quick wit and cheerful smile were welcome additions to any undertaking.  As an adept and efficient project manager, her superb organizational skills helped the Bonafides raise thousands of dollars which supported more than 59 community organizations.  Nancy’s spirit of volunteerism lives on in her children and grandchildren, who are active in environmental causes, charitable fundraising and community service.  In addition to her volunteer work, Nancy was an exemplary homemaker, a loving wife, devoted mother, a dedicated friend, and talented crafter who had an artistic eye for style.

Nancy is survived by her husband Henry (Hank) Kelly of Basking Ridge, her daughter Mary Ellen and husband Richard Iorio of New Rochelle, NY, her daughter Susan and  boyfriend Brian Kane of Brooklyn, NY, her grandchildren Elizabeth Iorio, Alex Iorio, and Tighe McCormack, and her sister Frances Donovan of Wantagh, NY.  She was predeceased by her parents John and Frances Ferns, her brother John Ferns, Jr., and her sister Elizabeth Jane Simonet.

A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. James Church in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.  Visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:30am on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home of Basking Ridge.  Burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge. For further information, or to light an online condolence candle please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, or Community Visiting Nurses Association, www.communityvna.org