Mary Sue Kelley

May 28, 1941 – January 24, 2025

If you ever made the mistake of calling her Mary, you were quickly and sternly informed that it was Mary Sue. She was proud of her double name and Tennessean southern roots. But she also went by many other names to those who loved her the most: Mom, Gramma, Mimi, Sister, Aunt Mary, and BFF.

She epitomized unconditional love and gave all her heart to her family by birth and by choice. Finding your life’s purpose brings passion and meaning to your relationships and everyday existence. Through motherhood, a fulfilling career as a childcare provider, and later as a favorite grandparent, her passion found her. She loved children and had a special gift for making each child in her care feel unique, valued, and loved.

Her children called her Mom: Michelle Wilson with her husband Kevin, Pam Kelley-Dockter with her husband Paul, and Michael Kelley with his partner Karla. They were fortunate to have a devoted mom who volunteered in the classroom, chaperoned field trips, supported Camp Fire, and cheered for Little League. Later, as a single parent, she modeled hard work and sacrifice for her family.

Her first four grandchildren affectionately called her Gramma since the term “grand” felt too formal and stuffy: Rachel Truax and her husband Parker, Layla Kelley, Amaya Kelley, and Sage Kelley. However, her youngest granddaughter, Braylee Dockter, chose to call her Mimi. One of Braylee’s favorite activities was going downstairs to share snacks and talk about their day together on Mimi’s couch.

Mimi is the name given to Mary Sue by her chosen family, the Swerhones. Derek and Cindy Swerhone believed they were hiring a nanny, but instead, they gained an adopted grandparent for their three children: Sydney Reuter, Sam Swerhone, and Anwyn Swerhone.

Mary Sue shared a special bond with her only sister, Grace, even though they lived 3,000 miles apart as adults. Grace finds comfort in the thought of Mary Sue reuniting with their parents and three brothers—David, Marshall, and Dewey.

Although Mary Sue had many friends throughout her life, her longest and closest friendship with Mary Dye lasted over fifty years. They shopped, laughed, ate, traveled, celebrated holidays, and served as each other’s plus ones. Best friends forever.

Fun facts about Mary Sue:

• She perfected Pig Latin as a youngster, and well into her seventies, she still had the skill to sound silly and bring a smile to your face.
• She once snuck into a funeral with her girlfriends, pretending to be guests and trying not to giggle. Her rebel streak continued when she was fired from being a Pentecostal Sunday School teacher for wearing sleeveless dresses in the hot and humid summer.
• For many years, she owned coveted Portland Trail Blazer season tickets. In 1977, she attended the championship game and celebrated afterward at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour.
• Mary Sue and Mary Dye once asked a Scottish man what was under his kilt, and they didn’t hesitate when he replied see for yourself. And that’s how you get two American women to blush.
• During a recent hospital visit, Mary Sue warmly greeted the lab technician with a double bird hand gesture, bringing humor to a painful poking experience.
• A simple pleasure she thoroughly enjoyed was feeding the squirrels and, secondarily, the neighbor chickens and crows. They all came running when they saw her and her bags of peanuts.
• She knew what kids loved and used it as her secret weapon to earn her prized ‘favorite” status. As a young mom, Kool-Aid popsicles, Twinkies, and Ding-Dongs made her house the go-to neighborhood hangout. Later, as Gramma and Mimi, she upped her game and cemented her popularity by serving SpongeBob popsicles, Goldfish, Happy Meals, and fun-sized Snickers.

Mary Sue passed away on January 24th, 2025, due to scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease known as CREST syndrome. She brought joy and love to her family, who will cherish her dearly. You are invited to share your fun facts or special memories here.