Sally Kelly

Sally Joyce Kelly - 86 years old. Peacefully left this world on December 4, 2014 surrounded by her family. She had Marfan's Syndrome. Sally is survived by her loving husband of almost 68 years, William V. Kelly, and their children, Maureen Kelly of Austin, Michael Kelly and wife Darlene Kelly of Front Royal, VA, Lisa Kelly Zuba and husband Clay Zuba of Reston, VA, and Carol Duncan and husband Michael Duncan of Austin. She had four grandchildren; Denise, Desiree, and Mary Elizabeth Kelly, and Ella Duncan. Her children Mary, Elizabeth and Julie Kelly predeceased her.

Sally, known for her modesty, wanted a short obituary. Her family felt it important to share Sally's incredible life story.

Sally was born in Durant, Oklahoma and spent much of her time as a young child on her grandparents' farm without electricity or plumbing. As a teenager she moved with her family to Dallas and graduated from Ursuline Academy. She later attended St. Marys of the Springs Academy in Columbus, Ohio.

Her marriage to Bill Kelly took her on a whirlwind she never could have imagined as a young girl. Their honeymoon was in Lima, Peru, where Bill was stationed with the State Department and where they started their family. She went on to make her home in Washington, DC, Darmstadt, Germany, Manila, Philippines, Athens, Greece, Taipei, Taiwan and Culpeper, Virginia. Four of her children were born overseas.

Sally had diverse interests and a multitude of talents. Whichever country she and the family lived, she soaked up the culture as much as possible: committing to learning the country's cuisine, shopping in local markets, learning foreign phrases, touring local sites, and studying the nation's history.

Sharing her love of language, she taught English to Chinese students in Taipei. In the U.S., she was a teacher's aide to students with special needs; then, learning the ins and outs of a small town police department, she was an official dispatcher for the Culpeper, VA Town Police. After settling in Austin 36 years ago, she studied gerontology and earned certification as a Senior Living Activity Specialist. Working with the elderly and making them feel connected and useful was her professional goal and passion.

Sally had serious health challenges the last decades, but her sense of humor and optimism carried her-- and her family-- through those rough times. She was a devoted Mother, a loyal friend, and brightened everyone's world. May memories of her kindness, playfulness, and sense of humor continue to shine through your lives.

Rosary will be said at 7pm on Monday, Dec 8 at All Faith's Funeral Home at 8507 N. IH-35. Funeral Mass will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, December 9 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church at 12041 Bittern Hollow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sally's honor to the Austin Humane Society at 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752.