Ellsworth — Joyce Ellen Kelley, 84, died Feb. 23, 2018, at Seaport Village in Ellsworth. She was born June 13, 1933, Bernardsville, NJ, the daughter of James and Grace (Harriman) Sprague and sister of James Sprague.
Joyce graduated from Bernardsville High School, class of 1951, while spending summers in Franklin. Following graduation, Joyce attended an all-girls school in Virginia. She had a personality that was indescribable, which is an understatement to say the least! She was quirky, friendly, creative, unique and made friends very easily. Joyce was a woman that made people smile.
She met the love of her life, David G. Kelley, a proud Marine and Ellsworth native, and married on August 22, 1952. A tough endeavor indeed! David and Joyce lived in several states while he served his country and gave birth to five amazing children. Once retired from the USMC, they resided in Turner, Belfast, and settled in Trenton.
Joyce is survived by her son Brian Kelley and wife Lynn; granddaughters, Danielle Thomas and family, Cassie Niedhammer and family, Nicole Zollman and family; her son, Timothy Kelley and wife Carol, grandsons TJ Kelley and wife Katrice, Trevor and Tyler Jenkins; her daughter, Marsha Peterson and husband Andrew, granddaughters Ashley and Roxanne Peterson, and grandson AJ Peterson. Joyce was predeceased by her husband, David Kelley; son Michael Kelley; daughter, Tanya Hadley; and grandson, Ryan Hadley.
A Memorial Lunch will be held Saturday, March 17th. Contact a family member for details.
Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St. Ellsworth
Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com
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My sincere condolences … I have known Joyce from the time her mother had Joyce create my wardrobe when I worked at Collier’s. (Sigrid Steven’s then) Her mother, Grace, would be visiting a relative, Marcia, and that is how our relationship then friendship developed.
How I loved Joyce’s sense of humor. Her love for her family was deep. The loss of her children was heart-breaking.
At Seaport, Joyce recognized me as I headed for the elevator and it was so refreshing to see her … bittersweet but happy to know she was just across the street from me.
The world is a better place for Joyce being here and spreading laughter and love.
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