Obituary of Mary C. Kelly

Mary C. Kelly (nee Caffrey), a longtime resident of Teaneck, Avon-by-the-Sea and Madison, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, in Chatham at the age of 93.

Mary was born on November 17, 1932, in Dublin, Ireland, the eldest daughter of the late George and Brigid Caffrey (nee Kenny) in their family of eleven children. She was raised in Ireland, where her strong sense of family, faith, and compassion took root early in life.

She met her beloved husband, Thomas Kelly, while they were employed at Wills Tobacco. The two were married in 1958 and, in a story she loved to tell, sailed to the United States aboard the Queen Mary on their wedding day to begin a new life together, and to settle in Teaneck, New Jersey, where her late Uncle Christie Kenny resided with his family, and where they raised their own four children.  In the following years, they enjoyed return trips to Ireland to see their families and hosting family members who came here to visit them.

Mary was a devout Catholic and a faithful parishioner at several churches throughout her life. She prayed the rosary daily and lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and unconditional love for others. Known for her open heart and progressive spirit, Mary truly loved everyone and made friends wherever she went.

A devoted wife, mother, and doting Nana, Mary found her greatest joy in her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved taking them for walks, playing all sorts of games together, whether at home or on the beach, and spending holidays with the whole family.  She was an avid reader, a lover of music, especially opera, singing in church, winning at bingo, and celebrating special days, especially birthdays and Halloween.  She also enjoyed ballroom dancing with her husband in their younger years.

Mary was a homemaker while raising her four children. Once they were all in school, she returned to work as the head infant caregiver at the Children’s Aid and Adoption Society day care center in Paramus, a role that perfectly reflected her nurturing nature.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Thomas Kelly, in 2012, and by her brothers Donald, Joseph, Cyril, Austin, George, Leo, and Noel Caffrey.

Mary is survived by her loving children: Thomas Kelly, Joseph Kelly (Michelle), Bridgette Kelly (Kevin), and Jacqueline Bernard (Roderick). She is also survived by her dear sisters with whom she stayed close throughout her life, Pauline Finnegan (Bill), Lily Downey, and Nuala Ryan.  And of course, her cherished grandchildren James (Stefanie), Kelly (Tom), John, Andrew (Lanie), Peter (Emily), Kathryn (Anna), and Carina (Kyle); her treasured great-granddaughter Kayleigh; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Mary will be remembered for her deep faith, boundless love, warm smile, and the way she welcomed everyone into her heart. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched with kindness, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the memorial visitation for Mary to be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. during the visitation.

Interment will be held privately for Mary's family.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.