Obituary of Elizabeth "Nancy" Kelleher

Elizabeth (Nancy) McManus Kelleher, 71, of Cynthia Meadows Apts., died following an illness on Monday, March 1, 2010. Born November 20, 1938 in Flushing, NY, she was the daughter of Dr. Matthew P. and Grace McInerney McManus. Nancy grew up in Bayside, Queens; her vivid memory and lifelong friendships made for some great stories of life in that town in the 1950’s. She worked at Sperry Gyroscope, as a secretary, before beginning the most fulfilling chapter of her life. Nancy married John G. Kelleher in 1957. They resided in Queens and Wantagh, Long Island before moving in 1968, with four small children, to So. Glens Falls, briefly, finally settling in Vly Summit in the Town of Cambridge. Nancy, the city girl, soon found herself caring for cows and pigs, as they tried their hands at farming for a short period. While raising her family, she worked for various families in the Easton area as a home health aide and then at Mallinkrodt in Argyle. Nancy and John had celebrated 42 years of marriage before his death in 2000. Nancy was most proud of her Irish heritage; her father was born in Ireland and she was fortunate to visit the McManus homestead in Roscommon on three different trips to Ireland. She was a true story teller in that tradition, with an incredible memory about her childhood during WW II and her years growing up; she was considered the family historian by many. She was also known for her singing of Irish tunes- anytime of the year. She loved old movies and would often tell folks that they reminded her of some unknown 1940’s movie star. Her greatest joy in life came from her grandchildren. She was instrumental in helping to raise her daughter’s sons and was known as Nonnie, to not only her grandchildren, but to many other children she met. She crocheted blankets for many babies, some who are now in their 30’s. She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich; she enjoyed breakfasts and chatting with her friends from Cynthia Meadows, going out to lunch with the girls (dessert was the best part) and family gatherings. Besides her parents and her beloved husband, John, she was predeceased by a brother, Matthew McManus, a sister, Patricia Richardell, and a nephew, James Richardell. Survivors include three sons, John Kevin Kelleher (Rose Donisthorpe), Terrence P. Kelleher and wife Julie, and Timothy S. Kelleher and wife Maryann, all of Greenwich; a daughter, Katherine Kelleher and husband John Franklin of Cambridge; ten grandchildren, Dr. Rory Petteys and wife Sarah of Washington, DC, Daniel Petteys and fiancé Tera Patenaude of North Chatham, T. Bradley and Matthew Kelleher both of Glens Falls, Sean Kelleher and fiancé Christine Sprague of Cossayuna, Petty Officer Kyle Kelleher, currently stationed in Japan, and her precious “little ones”, Blythe, Liam, Declan, and Mauve Kelleher, all of Greenwich, and great grandchildren, Shamus and Haylee Kelleher; her sister, Mary Jane Mooney of Mount Pleasant, SC, a brother-in-law, Robert Richardell of Essex, CT, sister-in-law, Carole McManus of Longmont, CO; a cousin, Sally Marie Lewis of Fresno, CA, numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends, Julia Johnston of South Glens Falls, Doreen Werner of Mount Juliet, TN, Rich Aidaia of NYC and her Irish “sisters” of Greenwich. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at Pleasant Valley, where she had been rehabilitating for a broken ankle. We thank her friends for the phone calls, cards and visits that lifted her spirits during these past few months. Nancy was comforted throughout her long illness by her many friends and loving family and by her strong faith. At her request, there will be no calling hours. A mass to celebrate her life will be held at 11am Saturday, March 6, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich with Rev. Liam Condon, officiating. The burial of her ashes will be planned at the convenience of the family at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Nancy requested memorials be made in her memory to Friends of St. Joseph’s and Greenwich Interfaith Fellowship-Van Go Project. Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St., Greenwich.