Obituary of Velma Kelley

Velma Kelley, 85 of Stamford, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, September 30, 2023, following a long and courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Velma was born on August 22, 1938, to Edward and Goldie Craft of Stamford. She loved her sisters Alda (Tommy) Meeghan, Fern Craft (predeceased), Wanda (Ken) Hayward and Donna (Melvin) Elderkin.

She married James Kelley (predeceased) in 1956 and was a loving and dedicated Mother to their daughters, Darlene Kelley (Phil VanEtten) of Hobart, Sonya Kelley (predeceased) and Rhonda Kelley (Rodney Johnson) of East Worcester. She found the greatest joy in her grandchildren, Stephanie (Sheldon) Griffin, Jessica Baldi (Matt Skog), Joseph Marold, Jackie (Jennifer) Kelley and Jenelle (Ford) Zimmerman. She cherished her great-grandchildren: Desiree, Gaige, Alexandra, Memphis, Justice, Madison, Andrew, Jayden, Elizabeth, Levi, Willow, Daniel and Sonya.

Velma was a long-time resident of the Hobart/Stamford community. She attended South Kortright Central School and after raising her children in Richmondville, she returned to the area. She was employed at Graham Labs (Mallinkrodt) for many years until her retirement. She was a long-time member of the Hobart Methodist Church, where she sang in the Church Choir and participated in many activities.

Velma loved and valued her family above all else. She enjoyed picnics and parties where everyone would gather. She thrived on being surrounded by those she loved. She was an avid collector of cows and looked forward to the Delaware County Fair each year. She had a tender heart, especially for children and she passionately donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital throughout her entire life. Velma was sustained by her unwavering faith in God. Despite the many challenges she faced, she will be remembered for her grace and perseverance, in addition to her warm and kind smile. Velma was the matriarch of the family and an inspiration to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The constant and steadfast love and care that she provided to her family throughout the years, especially to Sonya, continues to resound in all who knew her. There was certainly a grand reunion in heaven.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Velma touched, are invited to gather for a Memorial Service and celebration of Life at the Hobart United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 1:00pm. A burial will immediately follow the service at the Locust Hill Cemetery in Hobart. All are welcome to gather for refreshments following.

Contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Arc of Delaware County in Velma’s honor and beautiful memory.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Velma’s family.

To watch a recording of Velma's service follow the link below

VELMA KELLEYS SERVICE