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Obituaries

Geraldine "Gerri" McCain Kelly

2/13/1930 - 3/1/2017

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Obituary For Geraldine "Gerri" McCain Kelly

Geraldine McCain Kelly ("Gerri") passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, having lived a full life. Gerri, known as "Nan" to her family, was born on February 13, 1930, in Mingo Junction, Ohio. She was the second born of John and Corena (Melching) Whaley. Surviving are three siblings: Gary Whaley, Peggy Gallion, and Betty Moorhead. She was preceded in death by five siblings: Ray Whaley, Curtis Whaley, Eloise Semko, Joyce Rogers, and Velma Whaley (infant).

Gerri wed her first husband, Floyd E. McCain (deceased, 1992) on February 3, 1947. They were married for 45 happy years. Together they raised their only daughter, Connie McCain Long (Billy Long, deceased) and they instilled a strong sense of tradition and family in Connie. Nan was very proud of her two granddaughters, Denise Pentino (Tom, Wheeling, WV) and Krista Rhoads (Chad, Martinsville, VA). She created lasting memories for her family and friends in the form of beautiful embroidered pillow cases, custom sewn purses, tablecloths and blankets.Gerri worked at Johnson Kitchens in Steubenville as a secretary for 28 years. She appreciated the many learning experiences and the life- long friendships which resulted from her years there.

In 1997, Gerri moved to Steubenville, Ohio and married her second husband, Walter L. Kelly (deceased 2015). She was soon blessed with a community of new friends and neighbors of all age groups and more extended family who love her dearly.

She was a member of the Women's Club of St. Peter Catholic Church of Steubenville, the YWCA of Steubenville, Steubenville Women’s Club and Jefferson County Seniors, Prime Time.

She was a no nonsense person, a master storyteller to the end, a perfectionist in everything she did, from gardening - growing the biggest tomatoes on the block - to her sewing and home maintenance projects.

She will be greatly missed by many, but we know that the seeds she planted in numerous ways will live on in the lives she touched along the way. Friends may call at Shorac Funeral Home (formerly McClaves), 611 N. 4th Street, Steubenville on Sunday from 1-4p.m. Funeral liturgy with Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 6, 2017 at St. Peters Catholic Church, 10a.m. with Fr. Bradley Greer as celebrant. Entombment at Holly Memorial Gardens. Vigil services Sunday 1:30p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Valley Hospice, Liza’s Place – 308 Mount St. Joseph Road, Wheeling, WV 26003. Offer condolences at www.shorac.com

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Condolences

  • 09/03/2024

    your friends at the Prime Time Senior Citizen Center

  • 09/03/2024

    Tina Gump

    A beautiful tribute to Gerri. You described her perfectly. She will be sorely missed. I can't imagine spring or summer without Gerri, to compare our flowers and lawns. May her memory be eternal. I'm a better person having known Gerri.

  • 09/03/2024

    Maryann Droll

    Dear Ones --My heart is broken. I was so looking forward to a second visit with precious Gerri; but, when I arrived at Liza's Place, yesterday, they told me that she'd just gone "Home" about 6 hours before I arrived. Of course, my sadness was mixed with a great gladness for her. O the joy of being in His presence!!!One week ago, yesterday, Gerri and I had the most blessèd 1 hour and 15 minutes of visitation and precious conversation about good and lovely things. She's such a beautiful lady, with a lovely spirit; and I have been blessed, that God allowed our paths to cross, even for 1 hour and 15 minutes. "Little is much when God is in it!"May God's peace and blessings be yours during this most tender season; and, may He give you many lovely memories, so that you may always have roses in December.Ever hoping . . .Always in Jesus,Maryann (Music Ministry Volunteer)

  • 09/03/2024

    Phyllis and Paul

  • 09/03/2024

    Terri Antill Ferroni

  • 09/03/2024

    Dale & Joyce (Layne ) Hatfield-- God Bless...

  • 09/03/2024

    Dale & Joyce Hatfield

    Dear Connie & Family,So very sorry to hear of your mom, grandmothers passing. May. You find comfort in the many memories you hold in your hearts... God Bless...

  • 09/03/2024

    Norma and Dennis Studenc

  • 09/03/2024

    Mike Berarducci

    To Gerri's friends and family my deepest condolences on your loss. I knew her for years and feel honored to be her friend. RIP Geraldine.

  • 09/03/2024

    Expression of Sympathy

    A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was ordered on March 5, 2017

  • 09/03/2024

    Daneen Manalac and Family

    I was so sad to read of Gerri's passing. I got to know and love her working on the funeral dinner committee at St. Peter's Church. She was such fun to be around and made the time pass so effortlessly. I loved her sweet personality and kind nature. May God rest her eternal soul and give comfort to her family.

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