Barbara Ann Kelly, (86), of Bellville, NJ, passed peacefully on July 23, 2024. Barbara was a beloved mother, friend, grandmother, aunt and mentor. She was the widow of Robert (Bob) V. Kelly, predeceased by her brother Herbert (Herbie) Ochse (Eleanor), survived by her sisters Patricia Banach (Richie), Joyce Galinis, her two children, Colleen Kelly and Robert Kelly (Stacy), five grandchildren--Jillienne DeNicola (Dean), Bridget Cumming, Derek Kelly, Devon Kelly, Anna Carpinelli, and her niece, Donna Ochse, nephew, Scott Ochse (Cathy), and her best friend, Maizy (family dog).
In her early years, Barbara worked at Bell Telephone. The next 15 years she spent as a wife, mother and homemaker. She returned to the workforce after raising her children and spent the next 30 years at the Archdiocese of Newark working in Vocations, Barbara had the pleasure of working with many wonderful seminarians who were on the path to becoming priests. She introduced them to our American culture and customs and watched them travel their Catholic faith journey.
Barbara was known for her love of shopping, catching Christmas sales, her extravagant jewelry collection and wouldn't miss seeing her grandchildren play in all their sporting events. She was a caring woman who enjoyed entertaining friends, family, and members of the community and church; especially around the holidays. She was an excellent baker, and she was most known for her Italian knot cookies and infamous cheesecake.
Barbara enjoyed traveling, and she spent many summers at the Jersey Shore and also had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii, Italy, and Ireland. She took pride in her Irish heritage and was always sporting an Irish sweater. She will be missed dearly, but we are at peace knowing she is now reunited with her husband, Bob, who was taken from us too soon.

Please join us in celebrating Barbara on:
Monday July 29, 2024 at
St. Patrick's Pro Cathedral
(91 Washington Street, Newark, NJ)
Visitation will be held from 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Mass 10:00 am
Followed by the burial at
St. Peter's Church
(155 William St, Belleville, NJ)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to camcer.org.