[ Originally published on: Monday, November 30, 2009 ]
NORTH BENNINGTON, Vt. -- Marjorie P. Kelly, 92, of North Bennington, died Nov. 26, 2009, at her daughter's home in Greenfield, Mass.
A sixth-generation Vermonter who lived in her beloved state until the last few months of her life, she was born in Readsboro on April 1, 1917, the daughter of Lewis Sprague and Nora Carpenter.
Marjorie was the wife of Clayton Hurley and later of Joseph Kelly and the mother of Regina Hurley Nash of Greenfield. A son, Ross, died during childbirth.
From a very young age, Marjorie was a very hard and willing worker. For many years, she worked in domestic service for families in Old Bennington, among whom she was prized for her work ethic and for her cooking and baking skills. Later, she worked at W.T. Grants, the Sweater Store, and as a sales person at the House at Blue Hill, a fine furniture and gift store in Bennington.
With typical determination, she learned to drive after Clayton's death in 1966 and also took night school classes to earn her GED.
In her spare time, Marjorie enjoyed dancing, listening to country music, drawing, and working jigsaw puzzles -- some so complex that they became family legends. She loved all animals, especially butterflies and birds.
With Joe, her second husband, she particularly enjoyed watching ducks on drives around Bennington and on her visits to Maine. She also loved plants and flowers and was particularly skilled at growing African violets. In the last year of her life, she became interested in beading and made lovely bracelets and necklaces for friends and family.
In addition to her daughter, she is survived by her grandchildren Elizabeth Nash and husband Steve Winters, and Robert Nash and wife Lisa; siblings Kenneth, John and Treesa Lorette; and a favorite niece Rita Niles and husband Randall.
She was predeceased by her stepfather Frank Lorette; her husbands Clayton Hurley and Joseph Kelly; her son-in-law Morton Nash; and her siblings James, Frank II and Richard Lorette, Rose Nason and Geneva Paddock.
Friends and relatives are welcome to attend a funeral service at E.P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home in Bennington, Vt., on Wednesday, Dec. 2. The service will begin at 1 p.m., with a calling hour beginning at noon. Burial will take place in the family lot at Hinsdillville Cemetery, Bennington, Vt.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Outreach For Earth Stewardship through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201. This donation will support the rehabilitation of backyard birds and songbirds and educational programs.
Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.