Barbara Marie Kelly, age 91, passed peacefully on January 23, 2026, at her home on the campus of the Charlestown Community in Catonsville, Maryland, surrounded by family. Born on November 7, 1934, in Binghamton, New York, Barbara was the daughter of Anne Catherine and William Ross Alling. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward J. Kelly Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love; her sister, Jeanne Marie (Sister Mary Michele) and her brothers, Frank, William, and James Alling.

Barbara's life was rooted in family. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Salzman, sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Alling, Barbara Braun Kelly, and brother-in-law Lawrence (Donna) Kelly, and by the five children who were her greatest joy: Kevin and Trudy Kelly of Cohoes, New York; Maureen and Ron Otten of Palmyra, Virginia; Margaret and Mark Collins of Candia, New Hampshire; Brian and Kristina Kelly of Ridgefield, Connecticut; and Michele and Tim Young of Washington, DC. Her heart expanded with each generation, she was a devoted grandmother to ten grandchildren: Stephen, Stephanie (Dan), Alex (Molly), Brendan (Katie), Erin, Madeline, Aidan, Declan, Reagan, and Liam, proud great-grandmother to Chloe and loving aunt to 27 nieces and nephews.

Raised in the Tri-Cities area of Johnson City, New York, Barbara was a triplet and shared a deep and lifelong bond with her 5 siblings. Her childhood was filled with laughter, close companionship, and treasured memories including family trips to the Thousand Islands of Canada, summers at her grandmother's home in Burdett, New York, and the simple joy of being together.

Barbara attended St. James School and later St. Patrick's Academy, where she was active academically and athletically, participating in cheerleading, softball, and ice skating. Called to serve, Barbara pursued nursing at the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo, where she earned her degree and began a career defined by compassion and quiet strength. She cared for countless lives at Holy Cross Hospital in Florida, Lourdes Hospital and Link Aviation in Binghamton, Elizabeth General Hospital in New Jersey, and Richmond Memorial Hospital on Staten Island, offering comfort, skill, and kindness to all she encountered. Outside of her professional career as a nurse, Barbara enjoyed baking, especially pies, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and jewelry making.

Barbara met Edward, the love of her life, while living in Johnson City. They were married on July 23, 1960, beginning a partnership grounded in faith, devotion, and shared purpose. Together they taught CCD, were leaders in the Marriage Encounter Community, served in their parish, and lived their faith daily. Barbara later served as Director of the Staten Island Natural Family Planning Office. She continued her quiet ministry of care and guidance as she led the Victim Adorers of the Holy Face of Jesus at Charlestown, was an active member of the church choir, and continued her role as a Eucharistic Minister. Their marriage endured with love, tenderness, and a few practical jokes while living in Staten Island NY, Crofton MD, and Catonsville MD until Edward's passing on March 5, 2017.

Among Barbara's proudest callings were being a nurse, a spouse, and most of all, being a mother. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and deep devotion to family. Her life was a testament to compassion freely given, love patiently nurtured, and grace carried forward through generations. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Charlestown Scholarship Fund. Please send checks to 719 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore, MD 21228 Attn: Philanthropy. Please write in the memo line: In memory of Barbara Kelly/Health Sciences Named Scholarship. Or you may also use this link, sign in as a guest and donate online:  Charlestown Scholarship Fund

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10am at Our lady of the Angels Catholic Church with a reception to follow. Interment will take place following the reception at 2:30pm at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117.