Carolyn “Tink” (Taylor) Kelly, RN, passed away on August 6, 2016 at Valley View Manor Nursing Home in Norwich. She was 89.
Born in Oswego, NY, on February 16, 1927, Carolyn was one of four daughters of the late Arthur and Mary (Baehr) Taylor. Upon graduating from Oswego High School, Carolyn went on to become a Registered Nurse earning her degree at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Syracuse, NY as part of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps established during World War II.
Carolyn met her loving husband, John P. Kelly Jr. during her time at school in Syracuse. They were married in 1950 and settled in John’s hometown of Norwich to start their new life together and raise a family. Carolyn was a woman before her time, juggling a full-time profession while being a mother to five children and a devoted wife.
Carolyn had a long career in nursing, spending much of her professional - life at Chenango Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Norwich. She became Head Nurse of the CMH Nursing Home in December 1975 and continued in that position through her retirement in 1983.
Carolyn and John had a large circle of close friends and loved getting together for parties, dancing, golf, potlucks, or a good game of pitch. Carolyn often said that while they were not rich financially, they were rich in friends, family, and good times. In her later years you could still find her out enjoying a cocktail and a few games of quick draw with friends. She was a great dancer, a Frank Sinatra lover, a storyteller, a movie aficionado, a Jeopardy and PBS fan, and passed many hours playing solitaire or Yahtzee. She was famous for making good biscuits, loved to bake and share goodies for any/all occasions, and her crab dip was a favorite at parties. She was well-read, a news junkie, and loved a good political debate.
Carolyn lived at Park House Apartments in Norwich and was fortunate to have the strong support and friendship of many of the other residents. Her children would especially like to thank Eileen Fietsma who she considered her late in life 6th child, and Tom who could fix, reach or carry anything, as well as Diana Banta who provided transportation and home health aide support near the end.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 66 years, John P. Kelly Jr., a resident of the NYS Veterans Home at Oxford for the last 3+ years, her children Ellen (Marty) Candlish of East Nassau, NY, Thomas Kelly of Norwich, Mary Kate Kelly of Albany, NY, John P. (Lisa) Kelly III of Norwich, and Connie (Joe) Waiksnoris of Niskayuna,NY, and her grandchildren, Kate (Adam) Benoit, Jonathan and Kelly Waiksnoris, Erin and Shannon Kelly, and adopted granddaughter Morgan McAvoy. She is also survived by her sister Barbara (Stan) Nentarz of Freeport, NY and many nieces and nephews. Carolyn is predeceased by her sisters Louise Taylor and Betty (Neil) Wiegelt. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Services will be at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, August 12, from 4 to 6 pm with a memorial service following at 6 pm.
Anyone who would like to make a donation may choose the Hope Appeal of the Syracuse Catholic Diocese, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or of course hillaryclinton.com, three of mom’s favorites. She was a lifelong democrat and political junkie, and nothing would have made her happier than to see Hillary get elected as the first female President of the United States. You may also visit R.J. Fahy Funeral Home’s website to leave a condolence for the family.