Joan M Kelly

Joan M. (Hallihan) Kelly, 81, a resident of Ashburnham since 1995, died peacefully Sunday, November 29, 2015 in her residence surrounded by family, following a brief illness.
Born in West Brighton, Staten Island, NY on May 2, 1934, she was the daughter of the late William and Estelle (Rumph) Hallihan.
Joan graduated from Curtis High School of Staten Island and began her working career as a secretary with Investment Dealer Digest magazine in Manhattan. She was later employed as a secretary with US Gypsum of Richmond Terrace for over 15 years, followed by an 11 year career as a freight forwarder with Unsworth Freight Forwarding of New York and New Jersey. Joan retired in 1994 after being employed as a freight forwarder with Lynden International Air Freight of Elizabeth, NJ.
Joan enjoyed shopping, gardening and baking. Her greatest joy was reading, especially mystery novels. She was known to be happiest with a mystery book in her hands. Her love of reading led her to become a volunteer at the Stevens Memorial Library of Ashburnham, where she also helped at the book sales. Joan loved the Stevens Memorial Library and treasured spending time there. She was a member of the Forever Young Senior Club and the American Legion Auxiliary of the Thomas P. Sweeney Post 142, both of Ashburnham. She was also a member of St. Denis Church of Ashburnham.
Joan was predeceased by her loving husband, James W. Kelly, who died October 30, 2015. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in December.
She leaves three daughters, Eileen P. Dyer and her husband Randy Dyer of Westminster, US Navy Commander Barbara Kelly-Mertz and her husband Major Charles Mertz of the Air National Guard of Newport, RI and Colleen M. Kelly and her significant other Armand Fougere, Jr. of Ashburnham; her only grandson whom she loved dearly, Timothy J. Lahtinen and his wife Stephanie Lahtinen of Westminster; great-grandson, Elliott Murphy of Westminster; one sister, Evelyn Hallihan Smith of New Jersey; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by five brothers, John, Frank, William, James and Robert Hallihan.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 3rd at 12:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner. Father John Hamm of St. Dennis Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
A calling hour will be held Thursday, December 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Stevens Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham, MA 01430.

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