Elizabeth Kelly
August 30, 1921 — February 9, 2015
Elizabeth H. Kelly
August 30, 1921–February 9, 2015
Elizabeth Harriet Kelly, 93, of Islamorada, FL, died at home February 9, 2015, after a courageous battle with heart disease. She was born August 30, 1921, in Staten Island, NY, to Katherine Lamphere and Elliot. She loved the ocean and spent the last 3 years in the Florida Keys.
“Betty” was a sweet, sparkly, blue-eyed woman who was always quick to smile. She was a tireless volunteer: Woman of the Year at St. Helena’s Catholic Church, president of Sharing and Caring community organization, started a TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) chapter, delivered Meals on Wheels for 16 years, US Census data collector, United Way campaign leader, Red Cross blood donor (received her “Gallon” pin), Rhapsody in Rabun board member, Rabun Youth volunteer and generous donor.
Throughout most of her life she was athletic and fit, participating in amateur badminton, lap swimming, aerobics, line dancing, skin diving, spearfishing, and square dancing. One of her proudest moments was being on the relay team that carried the 1996 Olympic Torch to Atlanta.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her loving husband, James H. Kelly, and her son, Peter James Kelly (Lakemont, GA). She is survived by their children Wendy Kelly (Stoneham, ME), Susan Cox (Avon, CT), Timothy (Marietta, GA), Betsy Baste (Islamorada, FL). She had 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, a daughter-in-law, Diane Kelly, and son-in-law, Scott Baste.
Funeral services will be held at San Pedro Catholic Church in Tavernier on Thursday, February 19th at 3:30 pm. Elizabeth loved flowers, so she welcomes bouquets to be sent to her viewing at Allen-Beyer Funeral Home, Key Largo Florida, Wednesday, February 18th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Mariners Hospital Auxiliary, 91500 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070, or donations in Elizabeth’s memory may be made in support of the Norwich Art School via the NFA Foundation, 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360.