Obituary of Ann Louise Kelley

Ann Louise Genevieve Elander Kelley, 97, formerly of 51 Hammond St. Jamestown, passed away Monday, March 26, in the Heritage Green Skilled Nursing facility. Throughout her long life, Ann had faith in people. She had a strong commitment to teaching and learning, which she passed on directly and indirectly to those whose lives she touched. Above all, she believed in quietly drawing a circle that would bring people together inside the circle, not in drawing a line that would leave them out. Along with other characteristics, her quick sense of humor and even her grammar lessons drew people into this circle. She was born in Jamestown in 1914, the daughter of Gertrude (Tollin) and Daniel Elander, both of Sweden. A 1932 graduate of Jamestown High School, she went on to obtain her Bachelor's degree in French from the University of Rochester. In 1942 she married John Paul Kelley, of Olean. Together they raised three children: Michael, Daniel and Kathleen. As a child Ann was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in 1929, and remained a member for over 50 years of the Ladies Aide Society. Following her marriage she attended SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Ann pursued her continuing interest in education by obtaining her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY College Fredonia, where she studied summers and evenings while taking care of her family and teaching full time. She began her career at Rogers School, but soon moved to Fairmount School, where she spent many satisfying and productive years teaching third grade. In 1979 it was time to retire and devote more time to her family, to volunteering and to hobbies. She traveled with her husband to visit family, and to see the world. She was an avid bridge player, and loved to solve word puzzles and read. She also devoted her time to many local organizations. She was active in the Jamestown Concert Association, Mozart Women's Club, Chautauqua Community Project, was a member of the Southwestern New York and New York State Retired Teachers Association where she was a past historian, a member of the AAUW and its Social Studies Group, a member of the Marvin Community House, the AARP, the Jamestown Audubon Society and was a former Docent and volunteer for the Fenton Historical Society. She was a tutor for the Literacy Volunteers of America, a member of theAudubon, the Viking Lodge, and Roger Tory Peterson Institute. She cultivated her lifelong interest in her Swedish background as an active member of the American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation, where she received the Founders Award and also served a term as co-chair. She loved to stroll the grounds, attend Sunday services and go to the opera at Chautauqua Institution; she enjoyed concerts and plays in the Jamestown area. Ann was preceded in death by her husband John and by her sister Doris Guertin. Her sister Virginia Rutledge lives in Pensacola Beach, Florida. Her son Daniel and his wife Margaret (of Jamestown), daughter Kathleen and her husband Gerardo (of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico) and son Michael and his wife Linda (of Newport News, Virginia) unite in their loving memories of their mother. She was Mormor to Elisa and Christina and Grandma Ann to her third grandchild, Patrick. She has numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert Reeves, pastor of the Zion Tabernacle and a close friend of the family, will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service on Saturday in the funeral home In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the James Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry St. Jamestown, NY 14701.