Frances Kelley died at her home in St. James on December 21 after a struggle with ALS.

Fran was the oldest child of Francis Kelley and Catherine Treacy Kelley of Cambridge, MA. She graduated from Cambridge High and Latin School and Brandeis University and pursued a career as a freelance editor, and later worked for the Mattoo Center for India Studies at Stony Brook University, retiring last year. She lived in St. James for more than 45 years and was deeply involved in the community. Fran served as president of the St. James Elementary School PTA and continued to volunteer with the Smithtown College Scholarship Fund and other organizations long after her own children had graduated.

Fran was known as a talented baker, cook, knitter, and gardener. She was a voracious reader and also enjoyed movies, music (especially Motown classics), and television (anything on PBS). Her enduring love of the Boston Red Sox was a source of great joy and great frustration. She had a sharp sense of humor, loved words, and enjoyed crossword puzzles, word games, and obscure vocabulary.

Fran cherished her roles as Mom, Aunt Fran, and Grammy. She had a remarkable ability to build and sustain lifelong friendships, and over the years she opened her home and her heart to many people. Their love and generosity has sustained her family during her illness.

Fran will be missed by her children Katy Aronoff (Jason Waite), Peter Aronoff (Jessie Tanenbaum), and Ruth Aronoff (Greg Placone); her grandchildren Leo Aronoff and Selene Aronoff; her siblings Kathy Reece, Mary Dwyer (Mark), and Tim Kelley (Karen); nieces and nephews Mary Valentine, Sarah Reece, Molly Dwyer, Matt Kelley, and Em Kelley; and many other relatives and beloved friends. Her family is grateful to her caretakers and the team at Good Shepherd Hospice. In lieu of flowers, Fran's family asks you to consider donations to Long Island Cares or the Smithtown Library to honor her deep concern for her community and those less fortunate

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.