Marjorie Marie (Kelliher) Kelly

Braintree-Marjorie Marie (Kelliher) Kelly, 82, passed away after a long illness early Monday morning, May 3, 2021.

The eleventh of eleven children, Marjorie was born in Quincy on January 22, 1939, to parents Roger (Crowley) and Julia (McCarthy) Kelliher. She was the youngest sister to Helen Bouchie (Jeffrey), Roger J. Kelliher (Adrienne), John V. Kelliher, Harold S. Kelliher (Mary), Edward L. Kelliher (Noreen), William Kelliher, Dorothy Veno (David), Julia McMahon, Mary Packard, and Claire Scarlata Cole.

Marjorie’s childhood was spent calling 105 Elmwood Avenue her home in North Quincy. When Marjorie was a young child her four brothers went off to World War II. During this time, Marjorie found comfort with her best friend and cousin Eileen Meleedy at Montclair Elementary School. At Atlantic Jr. High School is where Marjorie began her love of Drum Majorettes. By senior year Marjorie was Co-Head Drum Majorette. Often, she would mention how much fun she had being a leader at the North Quincy High School football games. Forever a Raider, she graduated from North Quincy High School, class of 1957.

One night out with friends at Nantasket Beach’s dance club “The Surf”, changed her life. Marjorie became engaged six months later and married that UMass Amherst student James Kelly that drove her friends and her home that night. In the next 12 years she would have three children James Kelly, Joseph Kelly, and Donna (Kelly) Donato. Marjorie was a stay-at-home mom or Domestic Goddess for over 40 years.

Marjorie treasured those oh so many road trips to Foxwoods, especially those with her sister Julie McMahon. She loved the restaurants, shopping, shows, as well as the slot machines. We would all joke about her ability to automatically drive to Foxwoods, at the drop of a hat, but could never find her way all the way through Boston to the Northshore. The other road trips with Jim were for Fried Clams on most summer days; you could find them at Wollaston Beach’s famous Tony’s Clam Shop or East Wareham’s Lobster Pot.

Some of her greatest joys in life were found in the moments of being one of the biggest Boston sport fans. Marjorie didn’t care about her appearance when sports were on TV.  She was one of the guys when it came to sports. Especially when the Patriots played, she would get so loud that she would lose her voice from screaming a few choice words on any given Sunday.

As a mother, Marjorie understood tough love when it came to her children. Her unconditional love and support helped her children get through some of the lowest points in their lives. She devoted her life to her children and grandchildren bringing her tremendous pride, happiness, and joy. Her unwavering emotional support will forever be cherished in the memory of all who loved her.

A private graveside service will be held at Braintree Cemetery. The McDonald Keohane Funeral Home – South, 809 Main St, Weymouth, MA 02190, is assisting the Kelly family with her arrangements. Condolence cards can be mailed to James Kelly, 11 O’Toole Terrace, Braintree, MA 02184.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s High School, 35 Tremont Street, Lynn, MA 01902.