BARBARA A. (CARLEY) KELLEY

BARBARA A. (CARLEY) KELLEY – Of Belmont, New Hampshire , died peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 99, with her family by her side.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Barbara was married to the late John J. Kelley Jr. and was blessed with a large and loving family. She was the mother of Sheila Sarno of Westford, Daniel Kelley of Arizona, Mary Darragh of Belmont, NH, and John Kelley of Medford. She was predeceased by two children, Michael Kelley and Barbara Sickles.

Barbara was predeceased by her brothers, Robert Carley and Emerson Carley, and her sister, Sheila Whitney.

A talented writer, Barbara found great joy in composing poetry throughout her life. Many of her poems were published under the pen name “Quoth the Raven” in the Boston Globe’s “Confidential Chat” column. Her family treasures her written reflections on motherhood, love, faith, and family. 

Despite the challenges of dementia in her later years, Barbara’s beautiful smile, sense of humor, and ability to express her love for others never left her. She often said that life was “a chalice to be filled and not a cup to drain,” a philosophy she carried throughout her life.

BARBARA A. (CARLEY) KELLEY – Of Belmont, New Hampshire , died peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 99, with her family by her side.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Barbara was married to the late John J. Kelley Jr. and was blessed with a large and loving family. She was the mother of Sheila Sarno of Westford, Daniel Kelley of Arizona, Mary Darragh of Belmont, NH, and John Kelley of Medford. She was predeceased by two children, Michael Kelley and Barbara Sickles.

Barbara was predeceased by her brothers, Robert Carley and Emerson Carley, and her sister, Sheila Whitney.

A talented writer, Barbara found great joy in composing poetry throughout her life. Many of her poems were published under the pen name “Quoth the Raven” in the Boston Globe’s “Confidential Chat” column. Her family treasures her written reflections on motherhood, love, faith, and family. 

Despite the challenges of dementia in her later years, Barbara’s beautiful smile, sense of humor, and ability to express her love for others never left her. She often said that life was “a chalice to be filled and not a cup to drain,” a philosophy she carried throughout her life.