Sarah Kelley

Sarah Jane Kelley passed away on July 30, 2024. A native of Akron, Ohio, she attended St. Sebastian Grade School, Buchtel High School, and was a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Secretarial Science. While at the University, she was President of Phi Mu Sorority and the first women manager of the Student Union Building.

Upon graduation, she worked for a brief time as Acting Advisor of Women at the University and then moved on to become an executive secretary to the Industrial Vice President of the AC&Y Railroad. During WWII, while in college, she trained as a Red Cross nurse's aide at People's Hospital and continued to volunteer there until the end of the war. Later when her children were in school, she volunteered at the St. Vincent elementary School library and as a Girl Scout leader. When her children were in school, she began working as a paraprofessional in the Firestone High School Library and served in that capacity until she retired. Sarah Jane was never without a book at hand. She was an avid and widely read reader and she filled her spare time enjoying the printed page and two newspapers. She also loved to knit scarfs and prayer shawls to pass along to family, friends and friends of friends.

Sarah Jane is preceded in death by her loving husband, John F. Kelley, parents Sylvester and Marguerite (Murphy) Witt, beloved Aunt Helen C. Murphy, and by siblings Sylvester J. (Betty Jo), Walter Witt, and Ralph F. (Joanne) Witt. She is survived by eight children Sari Kelley, Barbara (Nick) Vitale, Paul (Susan) Kelley, Marguerite (Eric) Nank, Martha (Hector) Martinez, Rebecca (Rev. Kenneth) Gifford, Amy (William) Jones and Tamzin (Michael) O'Neil and grandchildren, James (Neille) Vitale, Madaline Good, Olivia (Alexandre) Mathiaud, Malena and Katie Nicholson, Michael and Andrew Gifford, Kelley (Joy Loper) Gifford, Cooper Nank, Aidan O'Neil and great-grandchildren Chase and Eliana. Sarah Jane loved her husband, children and their families and felt truly blessed.

A private memorial service wil be held August 8, 2024 at the Hummel Funeral Home in Copley located at 3475 Copley Rd. Copley, OH 44321.