Rita Teresa (Dennehy) Kelly

Rita Teresa Kelly, 96, of Granite Farms Estates, Media, Pa., passed away on August 30, 2021. She was the beloved wife and best friend of John B. Kelly and the loving mother of Elizabeth A. Murphy. Also survived by her beloved grandchildren Jack (Lauren), Meghan and William Murphy, and precious great-granddaughter Brooke. Predeceased by her sister, Mary A. Flaherty. 

Rita was born and raised in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, Pa. She was proud to be in the first graduating class of St. Huberts Catholic School for Girls. She went on to serve in the U.S. Navy (WAVES) in World War II. Following the war, she started a job at The Veterans Administration where she met the love of her life, Jack Kelly, with whom she celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage this year.  Rita and Jack moved from Mayfair to Havertown, Pa., where they lived for over 30 years. While there, in addition to being a homemaker she was active in volunteer activities at St. Dorothy Parish. She and Jack later moved to Granite Farms Estates in Media, PA where they have lived for the past 21 years. During these years she made numerous friends and was an active volunteer in the skilled nursing facility.

One of Rita’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. She also enjoyed traveling and had many wonderful adventures with Jack. She loved to cook and no Thanksgiving was complete without Rita’s famous gravy. She will be remembered for her compassionate spirit, contagious laugh, and remarkable ability to make everyone she met feel loved and heard.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St Thomas the Apostle Church at 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342, or the American Cancer Society.

A private funeral will be held at a later date.

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