Patricia Dolores Kelly

Patricia Dolores Kelly of Ellenville, N.Y., was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away on May 2, 2023, at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family who adored her and will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Patricia was born to Philip and Helen Wortas on May 18, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y. After graduating from Ellenville High School, Patricia attended SUNY New Paltz where she obtained her degree in elementary education. She married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) Kelly, and together had 2 children: Brian and Kathy. Patricia taught first grade for many years at Ellenville Elementary School until she retired. She adored her school, colleagues, and students, and she shared her passion for learning with hundreds of children over the years.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Patricia. She was a devout Roman Catholic who found great strength and solace in her faith. She fiercely loved her family and spending time with them, especially her grandson Jack, with whom she shared a very special bond and loved beyond measure. Patricia loved gardening and a quiet evening with friends. Patricia loved playing Mahjong with “her crew” and spoke often of the fun she had with them. She had many dogs over the years who she loved and spoiled and hoped to see one day at the Rainbow Bridge. Patricia had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities and her kind and loving personality was contagious to everyone she met.

Patricia is predeceased by her husband William (Bill) Kelly, her parents Philip and Helen Wortas, her sister Roberta Brush, and her beloved brother Philip Wortas Jr. who was her “rock.” She is survived by her son Brian Kelly; daughter Kathleen Volkert (Scott) and grandson Jack Volkert; sister-in-law Susan Wortas, who she loved as a sister; many nephews and nieces to include Philip Wortas III, her godson; Billy Brush (Lisa); Janet Wortas, Jennifer Woytkiw (Walter), Susan Strom (Kevin), Jane Maze (Dan), as well as great-nephews, great-nieces, and many cousins.

Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023, from 7pm-9pm at Loucks Funeral Home in Ellenville, N.Y. A funeral mass is scheduled at 10am on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at St. Mary’s & St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church located at 139 S. Main Street in Ellenville, N.Y. with a burial to follow at Fantinekill Cemetery in Ellenville, N.Y.

Memorial donations may be made by sending a check with Patricia's name in the memo line to: St. Mary & St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 137 S. Main St., Ellenville, NY 12428.

Personal Condolences can be left for Patricia’s family by visiting www.loucksfh.com