KELLEY, Marie Fitzgerald, March 24 Needham MA. Died peacefully at home at age 93 after a brief illness. Predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Maurice, sister Jane Bowers and brother Tom Fitzgerald. Survived by daughter Maureen K. Forester and her husband Chris of New Canaan, CT, and son John F. Kelley and his wife Joan (Gould) of Needham, MA.  Also survived by ten grandchildren: Kristin, Liza, Pete, Matt, Mike, Sean and Dan Forester; and Christina (Weiss), Patrick and Tommy Kelley.

Marie was born in Aldan, Pennsylvania, in 1929. She met her beloved husband Maury at her brother's wedding in 1949 and four years later they married and moved to Norfolk, VA, where Maury was stationed while serving in the US Navy. Upon the conclusion of Maury's service, they moved to Cincinnati, OH, where Marie worked in Human Resources for General Electric while Maury began his marketing career at Procter & Gamble.

With the birth of Maureen and John in the early 60's, Marie focused her energy on raising their children and making their home elegant and warm. She had a flair for decorating and loved entertaining friends and family. As Maury's career took off, Marie also became an expert in packing and moving, quickly establishing comfortable environments in the many places they called home: Old Greenwich, CT; Miami, FL; Palos Verdes, CA; New York City; Sewickley, PA; Brewster and Ipswich, MA. Regardless of where they lived, Marie spearheaded legendary St. Patrick's Day parties for their neighbors and work friends, and she insisted on having The New York Times delivered daily, so she could read every article on every page while sipping her morning tea.

Through the years, Marie especially cherished Thanksgiving with her kids and grandkids, where she was the original gravy master and made sure the turkey wasn't overcooked. And always, she was well put together. Everyone who met Marie was amazed at her youthful appearance and impeccable dress, and astonished when they learned of her actual age! She was the queen of cocktail party conversation, she relished a good discussion of politics or current events, and loved traveling with Maury throughout their lives together (including 30 visits to Ireland and stays at her favorite cottage in Ballyvaughan).

Deeply saddened but unbowed by Maury's death in 2017, Marie found a loving community at One Wingate Way in Needham. She led a faith-filled and vibrant independent life and took advantage of her mental and physical strength to travel in the US and abroad for weddings, wisdom, and relaxation. Marie continued to savor her evening martini (very cold, very dry with olives) in her chilled glass, and a conversation-filled cocktail hour, to the end. She was one of a kind, she was fun, and she will be missed.

Visiting hours March 30th, 5-7 pm, Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA.

Funeral Mass March 31st, 9 am, St. Susanna Parish, 262 Needham St, Dedham, MA.

Donations in Marie's memory may be made to JDRF New England Chapter, Wellesley, MA.

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