Barbara C. Kelley (February 22, 1938 - June 17, 2025)

Barbara C. Kelley, 87, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Barbara was born to Warren and Jean Long, on February 22, 1938, at St Joesph Hospital in Lorain. Most of her life, Barbara called Lorain home, where she built a beautiful life rooted in family, faith, and community, and for the past 30 years sharing time in her Florida residence on Marathon Key. In 1960, Barbara married the love of her life, John J. 'Jack' Kelley. Together they built a strong and loving home, raising six children with faith, honor and traditional values. She is now reunited in Heaven with Jack, her devoted husband of over 50 years, as well as three of their children, John, Michael, and Kathleen, who she missed dearly. Barbara's memory will be lovingly carried on by her sons, Patrick of Sheffield Lake, Kevin of Wellington, and Daniel (Natalie) of Amherst; her grandchildren, Johnny, Erin, Katie, Riana, Brenna, Ryan, Bryan, and Kara; and her great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Connor, and Violet, all of whom brought her endless pride and joy. Barbara was a woman of Catholic faith, which guided her life and gave her strength through all of its joys and sorrows. She served faithfully as a Eucharistic minister at both St. Peter Parish in Lorain and San Pablo Catholic Church in Marathon, Florida, where she spent cherished time in recent years. She was always eager to lend a hand, offer a prayer of support, and share her kind spirit with those around her. She had a gift for making life beautiful, whether through her delicious meals, her thoughtful and detailed eye for decorating, or her ability to just turn everyday moments into cherished memories. Barbara found joy in expanding on her culinary traits, shopping, entertaining, and making everyone around her feel welcome. She was also a gifted storyteller, known for her warmth, humor, and the way she could light up a room with a tale from her past. But more than anything, Barbara loved her family. Her home was always a place of comfort and connection, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in all who knew her. Her gentle heart and joyful spirit will be deeply missed. The family will receive friends in Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain, 440-244-1961, Monday, June 23, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. Closing prayers will be held at 10:20 a.m. in the funeral home Tuesday, June 24, 2025 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Ohio, with Father Craig M. Hovanec, Pastor, officiating. Christian burial services will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barb's memory to the St. Peter Parish School Scholarship Program or St. Peter Parish St. Vincent dePaul Society, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH 44053; or Blessing House, 5440 Grove Avenue, Lorain, OH 44055. Online donations may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com