Evelyn M. Kelly (nee Corbliss) passed away at home on March 1, 2023. She was 91. Born in Jersey City she has lived in North Arlington since 1969. Arrangements are by Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny.
Evelyn was the wife of the late Robert A. Kelly and mother of Robert Kelly (Hazel), Nancy Smith (Teddy), Daniel Kelly (Genny) and the late Joanie Stein and Kathleen O’Donnell, she is still survived by their spouses Kenny Stein and Andrew O’Donnell. Grandmother of (the late) Stephen Kelly, Julie Hunter (Marqus), Grace Smith, T.K. Smith, Jr. (Harley), Jackie Stein, Max Stein, Griffin O’Donnell (Nicholle), Luke O’Donnell (Lucy), Hunter O’Donnell, Cole O’Donnell and Gina McCormick (Matt). Also surviving are her great grandchildren; Willow, Sloane, Luke, Trey and Evan.
Evelyn was a warm, outgoing person who generally saw the glass half full despite her illnesses and the losses that she faced in recent years. When you engaged in conversation with her, she was always present and interactive, offering advice freely. She loved her children and their pets, and they all clearly felt it. Family was of the upmost importance to her.
She had many talents and interests and always was ready to go out for an adventure, even a simple trip to Marshall’s or Sickles. She loved children of all ages and made them feel special when she was in their company. She worked for several years at a Daycare Center and thoroughly enjoyed it and became close friends with the director, Marge Armenti. She had a group of friends with whom she shared shopping outings and meals. They enjoyed good food, a couple of drinks, many laughs and supportive interactions. Nature was a passion of hers. She always loved the changing of the seasons, birds, butterflies and being outdoors in nice weather. She was an avid reader and a frequent flyer to the library. The number of books she read in a week was quite remarkable.
She had a great eye for decorating and could make something out of the simplest of things. She could have had a career as an interior decorator. Her family jokingly referred to her as “Martha II”. When she gave a gift to someone, she took care with the wrapping, always making it look unique and beautiful. When leaving the house she took pride in whatever she would wear even when going on a random trip to a pharmacy or the library.
Funeral service will be held Thursday March 9th, 11:00 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Little Silver, NJ. Memorial donations to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, which was a favorite charity of Evelyn’s, would be appreciated.
