Marguerite (Graceffa) Kelly

Marguerite (Graceffa) Kelly, age 66, lifelong resident of Maynard, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.  She was the loving wife of the late Robert Martin Kelly III.

Marguerite, also known as Margie or Maggie, was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 15, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Philip J. and Caroline M. (Cataraso) Graceffa.  She was raised and educated in Maynard, graduating from Maynard High School, class of 1973.  Marguerite and Robert married the year after, in 1974, and were blessed with 2 children prior to Robert’s passing in 1988.

Marguerite is survived by her daughter, Danielle Kelly Marchione of Leominster, MA; her son, Robert Kelly and wife Liza of Hudson, MA; her sister, Rosalie Bellefeuille of Holyoke, MA; her cherished grandchildren, Ava Francesca Marchione, Cecelia Paige Kelly, Everly Love Kelly and Calvin Martin Kelly; her loving companion of 30 plus years, Jim Porrazzo of Maynard, MA; her lifelong best friends, Susan LeMoine and Lorna Wojsznis. In addition to many beloved nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her siblings, Dolly Beals, Carol Sullivan, Phyllis Mills, Mary Graceffa, Joseph Graceffa and John Graceffa. 

Family was most important to Marguerite.  She enjoyed cooking and hosting for her family and friends.  Everyone cherished her meatballs, veal parmesan, and delicious cheesecake. Her Pistachio Cake was also pretty famous and often requested. Marguerite loved spending time with her four grandchildren.  Holidays and birthdays were always made special by Grandma.  She always came armed with a bag full of toys and gifts for each grandchild.  She loved to help plan big birthday parties and had a lot of fun with the themes. She always had a way of making each child feel special in her own thoughtful way.  

Marguerite possessed a photographic memory which allowed her to memorize the many Italian recipes, birthdays and phone numbers of her large extended family and friends. Many family members and friends looked forward to their weekly phone calls from her checking in and asking how they were doing. Staying in touch was very important to her and was always there to listen to anyone's problem as she sincerely helped in any way she could.  She never missed an opportunity to send a loved one a greeting card in the mail.   

Marguerite had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  She was known to be a very generous person who would literally give you the shirt off her back.  She absolutely loved people.  She did not discriminate or judge, everyone and anyone was welcome at Margie’s house.  On many nights you could find her at Bingo at either St. Bridgets or Maynard Elks.  In her younger days she enjoyed playing Gin with all her sisters and friends.   Of course, others were envious of her photographic memory, which gave her the advantage to count cards!

Marguerite was an avid animal lover who enjoyed the company of her dog Zoe, a rescued Boston Terrier.  She developed a love for bird watching with many bird feeders setup outside her apartment window.  She also set up bowls to feed the squirrels despite her family suggesting it was not a good idea.  Margie would argue “The squirrels need food too.”  That is exactly who she was!

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget's Church, One Percival St., Maynard.  The Kelly family invites all attending the Funeral Mass to the Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks 34 Powder Mill Road, Maynard, MA 01754 for a celebration of life.    

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:

Buddy Dog 

151 Boston Post Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776 

https://www.buddydoghs.com