With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, the family announces the passing of Barbara Teresa Kelley on July 1, 2026, just 10 days shy of her 88th birthday.
Barbara was born July 11, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA. She was the third of four children, and the only daughter born to Amor and Teresa Kelley.
Barbara knew no strangers. She loved everyone and everyone loved Barbara. She was a very special light in our lives. Barbara was a loving and caring social butterfly, who was young at heart. She loved music, birds, dogs, all of her teddy bears and she never passed up a good game of bingo.
Born with many challenges, but surrounded by the love and support of family members, Barbara lived a joyful and meaningful life.
Her father was a founding member of what was then called The Delaware County Association for Retarded Citizens, DELARC, which began in 1956 as a result of families coming together to support and advocate for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In her younger days Barbara worked at the DELARC workshop in Lansdowne, where the foundation was opened. She later worked at Goodwill in Harrisburg, PA and then Pizza Hut in Hummelstown, PA.
Barbara is survived by her brother Bill and his wife, Kim and their children Bronwyn, Caroline and Oliver of Downingtown, PA; Sister-in-law, Lauraday Kelley of Gettysburg; Niece, Madeleine Perkins and her husband, Don of Gettysburg and their children, Bryce of West Virginia and Brooke of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Barbara was truly blessed with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who spent countless hours doting over Barbara throughout her life. She adored each of them and treasured the love, laughter, and memories they made together, especially time spent with Don and Carole Kelley, Jennifer Green and Susan Taylor.
In addition to her parents Barbara is predeceased by her oldest brother Donald Kelley, sister-in-law Beatrice Kelley, brother Robert Kelley and other family members who Barbara love so dearly.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations for “The Kelley Memorial Garden Patio” in honor of Barbara and Bob Kelley which will be located at Concordia SpiritTrust Gettysburg. Checks should be made to Concordia at SpiriTrust, Gettysburg with “Kelley Memorial Fund” in the memo line.
Please mail to: Concordia at SpiriTrust, Gettysburg, Attn: Kelley Memorial Fund,1075 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA, 17325
There will be a memorial service July 9th at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Room at Concordia SpiritTrust 1075 Old Harrisburg Rd, Gettysburg, PA.
A private family interment will be held at Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill PA, next to her parents.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff and administration of Concordia SpiritTrust for the love and compassionate care they provided to Barbara throughout the 11 years she was a resident of the community.
To share memories of Barbara Kelley please visit www.Monahanfuneralhome.com