Obituary of Ann L. Kelly

Ann L. Kelly, 81, of Oakland, NJ died on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. She was born on February 13, 1939 to Robert and Mae Williamson (nee Gorman). Beloved wife of Frank, who predeceased her, for nearly 45 years, loving mother of Terese (Kelly Greer) and Francis James, III (Fran), mother-in-law to David Greer and grandmother to David Michael Greer Jr. (DJ). Devoted sister to Virginia Watson and the late Robert Williamson, Donald Williamson, Russell Williamson and Genevieve DeMartino. Dear aunt to many nieces and nephews, godchildren, grand nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and nephews. Born in the Bronx, Ann was raised by her mother, Mae, along with her older siblings. Her father, a NYC police officer, passed away shortly after she was conceived. She was a member of Our Lady of Refuge, attended St. Jean the Baptist and graduated from Assisium Secretarial School. In 1968, she married Frank who was also from the Bronx. They moved to Oakland, NJ in 1969 to start a family. After raising her children to elementary school age, she returned to the workforce as a part-time administrative assistant to Tom and Gisela Moore of Oakland at Transportation Loss & Damages. She later moved on to a full-time position as Head Clerk of the Department of Motor Vehicle in Oakland, where she was employed for 17 years. (Many Oakland residents and friends of the Kelly family were often grateful to see her behind the counter – because it meant they might not have to wait quite so long in line.) After retiring from the DMV, she went to work at one of her favorite places in the world, Lord & Taylor. Ann and Terese enjoyed many a shopping spree and the rest of the family knew a gift from Aunt Ann would be in a “Lord & Taylor” box. She was a devout Catholic and long-time parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, NJ. Ann was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012. She also battled lymphoma that year and again in 2017 and 2020 before succumbing to COVID-19. Ann was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, godmother, friend and neighbor to so many. She had a great sense of humor and infectious laugh. She loved her “good times” as she called them – and the “good times” included food, drinks, music and dancing. She enjoyed going to Broadway shows, time with her friends, vacationing with family and visiting with her siblings – who she loved with all her heart. She continued her mother’s and mother-in-law’s tradition of always having Sunday dinner or as often as we could. She made holidays amazing and special. She was famous for keeping an immaculate home and was constantly doing laundry, ironing or cooking. She will be deeply missed – especially by her grandson, DJ, who loves his “Gigi.” A funeral Mass will take place at St. Mary's Parish at 17 Pompton Avenue in Pompton Lakes, NJ on Wednesday, January 13 at 11 a.m. A livestream of the service will be available via Oakland Memorial Home. Final resting place will be Maryrest Catholic Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Mary's Parish, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Alzheimer’s New Jersey.