Patricia A. Kelly

Patricia A. Kelly, 85, of Albuquerque, passed away on July 18, 2018 after a brief illness. She leaves a brother, John “Jack” Kelly and his wife, Elaine of Massachusetts; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Kelly of Florida; nieces and nephews, Joan Rafferty, Rose Kelly-Pond, Timothy Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Kenya Kelly, Kendra Lacoursiere, and Jeremiah Kelly III, along with several grand nieces and nephews and cousins. She also leaves her Albuquerque family, Lenny and Dot Bean and their children, Tim and Gayle Gardner and their children and many friends. She also leaves a special cousin, Judy Sprott. She is predeceased by her parents, Jeremiah and Mary (Karoty) Kelly; and her brother, Jeremiah Kelly Jr.

Born in Whitinsville, MA, Pat grew up in Douglas, and graduated from Douglas High School. She completed Nursing School in New Hampshire, and in 1962 enlisted in the USAF. Pat served for 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982. While in the Air Force, she was an OR Surgical Nurse, and traveled the world assigned to several Air Force bases. Following retirement, she settled in Albuquerque and made her home by a picturesque view of the Sandia Mountains.

Pat loved dachshunds and was a member of the AKC Dachshund Club of America. She participated in many shows with her grand champion Olympia (Oly). She loved to knit and made beautiful afghans for everyone! She was an avid reader and was happiest with a house full of friends to cook for and entertain- as she was an amazing chef!

Pat was a member of Risen Savior Catholic Community, and volunteered in many ministries over the years. For 20 years, she coordinated the volunteer program feeding the homeless at St. Martin’s Hospitality Center/Hope Works. Pat was honored with awards from Risen Savior and St. Martin’s for her dedication and service to this ministry. She continued to make cookies, breads, soups, and her famous green chile stew for the program until she was unable to do so. Pat was awarded the Archbishop’s St. Francis of Assisi Medal for her volunteerism. She was a member of the Retired Air Force Nurses Association.

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 20, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Church. Burial will take place in Douglas, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Hope Works, P.O. Box 27258, Albuquerque, NM 87125.