Veronica Kelly, 92, of Statesville, N.C., and formerly of Edison, N.J., peacefully entered eternal rest on Wednesday, August 27, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on October 25, 1931, in County Leitrim, Ireland, Veronica was the beloved daughter of the late James Bohan and Mary Anne (née Kiernan) Bohan. Growing up on a farm, she developed a strong sense of hard work, self-reliance, and the importance of family — principles she would carry with her throughout her life. At just 18 years old, Veronica made the courageous journey from rural Ireland to the bustling streets of New York City, a remarkable accomplishment that showed her bravery and determination. She instilled these values in her six children, nurturing them with the same strength and resilience she displayed in her own life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph P. Kelly; her sisters, Elizabeth Farrell, May Quinlan, Alice Doyle, and Annie Conboy; and her brothers, Patrick, James, and Thomas Bohan.
Veronica was known for her warm and outgoing nature, never meeting a stranger she couldn’t engage in conversation. Her home was always a welcoming place, filled with laughter, conversation, and more than enough delicious food to share. It was nearly impossible to leave the house without being offered a cup of tea, and if you thought you were getting away with just tea, think again; there was always a hearty sandwich to follow, and then likely more! Veronica had a great eye for style, always taking pride in her appearance and in making her home a place of comfort and beauty.
Veronica also found fulfillment in her work at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Brunswick, N.J., where she dedicated many years of service, forming close bonds with her beloved priests and church community.
Alongside her husband, Veronica supported his work with the Brunswick Shamrock Club in New Brunswick, N.J., where they dedicated themselves to raising funds for families in need and supporting Irish missionaries, a cause close to their hearts.
Veronica especially cherished her time spent at her second home in the Catskill Mountains, where she and Joe made countless memories with dear friends and family members. Her passion for Irish dance was equally boundless, and she could be seen out dancing every chance she had. Veronica also enjoyed long walks, chatting on the phone, and nurturing not just her own family but also the friends and neighbors who saw her as a second mother. An animal lover, she was especially devoted to her dogs, who brought her immense joy throughout her life. Her sharp sense of wit, humor, and impeccable sense of style made her a cherished figure to all who knew her.
Her greatest pride and joy was her family, and she will be forever remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her daughters, Mary Illes of Annapolis, Md., Elizabeth Bobovnik and husband Andrew of Statesville, N.C., Kathy Larsen and husband Pete of Kissimmee, Fla., Eileen Varga and husband Dave of Robbinsville, N.J.; her sons, Joseph P. Kelly Jr. and Kieran K Kelly; her grandchildren, David Illes Jr. and wife Beth, Kieran M. Kelly, Abigail Kelly, Maggie Kelly, Cassidy Varga, Jackie Varga, Joseph Kelly III, Katie Kelly, Kelly Larsen, and Erin Larsen; her great-grandchildren, Lillian Slingerland, Delaney Fitzpatrick, Declan Illes, Jacob Illes, and Shea Kelly; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
The family will hold a Mass and Celebration of Life to honor Veronica’s memory at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville, NC. Her entombment beside her beloved husband will be held at 11 a.m. on October 25, 2024, at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway, N.J.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice nurses, all her physicians, and staff, along with her beloved church community and friends, for their unwavering support and compassion. Your kindness will always be remembered.
In lieu of flowers, Veronica wished that those who wanted to honor her memory consider making a donation to one of her favorite charities: Association of Miraculous Medal (https://www.amm.org/) and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (https://bestfriends.org/).
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family.