Mrs. Georgia Ann (Macaulay) Kelly

October 16, 1929 - May 16, 2021

UTICA - Mrs. Georgia Ann (Macaulay) Kelly, age 91+ years, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021 in the comfort and dignity of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Oneida, NY on October 16, 1929, Georgia was the daughter of the late George R. and Agnes (Saunders) Macaulay. She was a student of Oneida High School/Class of 1948. She continued her studies and graduated from the Utica Country Day School Institute of Applied Arts and Science, the forerunner of MVTI (Mohawk Valley Technical Institute), later known as MVCC (Mohawk Valley Community College). On December 23, 1950 she married James S. Kelly, Jr., and it all began when they met at a baseball game in Sherrill, NY. During their 31 years together, they were constant companions, hand in hand, and heart to heart. They sacrificed for the good of the family and were always cognizant of their children’s needs. James passed away in June of 1981. During her earlier years, prior to her marriage, Georgia was a well respected buyer for Chappell’s Department Store in Syracuse, NY. In 1956, when James took over his family concern, The Kelly Foundry, he and Georgia ran it as a couple in a united front. She knew every aspect of the business and was a heck of a melter! When James passed away in 1981, Georgia continued managing the company, and on the very next day, with great fortitude, she and her children continued the operations of the business. She held the title of CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Kelly Foundry and Machine Co., Inc. She was the quintessential matriarch, always working and always unwavering in showing her family how to navigate life. She was their confidant and an exemplary, trustworthy mother who shared advice that was pertinent to life’s travails. She never gave up being a woman of the Depression era because it framed her life. She never complained, but powered through any adversities with grace and determination. Hers was the generation that was hardworking, determined, civic-minded, loyal to their country and to their employers, respectful of authority, and embraced the ideology of “waste not, want not”. She had an open heart and a commitment that included being the sole caretaker of her mother Agnes while working full time, maintaining a home, and caring for her family. It was a tremendous testimony to her character. She served as Chairperson for the City of Utica’s Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission. Georgia loved and understood family genealogy, and everyone was amazed at this venture she pursued. She was the caretaker of the family legacy, and kept an impeccable property with an eye for maintaining floral gardens. She enjoyed partaking in outdoor activities in the Adirondacks. When Jim was serving in the U.S. Navy, they traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, and years later, her daughter Marsha was a Captain in the U.S. Army and encouraged her mom to see the sights of Germany, Alabama, and Kentucky, where she was stationed. On “Derby Day” it was a tradition to celebrate the Run for the Roses complete with Derby Pie and hats to boot, but no mint juleps. A convert to the Catholic faith, Georgia believed the Creed and the teachings of Christ. She held in her hand the plate of "Our Lady of Medjugorje” as a sign of devotion and peace while praying for her children as each of them faced health trials. Georgia was blessed with children who truly loved and respected their mother. She loved each of them equally but Mark had a special place in her heart! They were her companions throughout her life, and on her last day, like any other, the sunrise was before her as well as the physical touch of each of her loves, …until her last moment. She knew in her heart that her work was done now, and she would be at peace and reunited with her husband Jim and family who had gone before her. Georgia is survived by her children and their loves, James S. Kelly III, former Lieut./USAR and wife Cynthia L. (Hutson) Kelly; Marsha J. Kelly, former Capt./US Army; and Mark J. Kelly and fiancée Mary Beth Hillman. Georgia’s grandchildren, James S. Kelly IV who was always by her side with his engineering perspectives, but most touching was this past year when he rushed to her side at a moment’s notice to assist in her care; and Kristine E. Kelly and Jason O. Champion. Kristine and her grandma shared so many common interests and Georgia saw so much of herself in Kristine and looked forward to her many FaceTime visits featuring the antics of her 6-pound Yorkshire Terrier, “Knightly”. She will also remain in the hearts of her sister-in-law, Betty Macaulay; nieces and nephews, including Susan Wesley and family, Stephen Klinkert, Bruce and Cindy Macaulay and their son Erik; Betty, and Tori Thomas; great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, Joan Donahue and family, and Matt Hollister; friend, Bernadette Nardi with whom she shared a special ‘daughter’ relationship and who remains a jewel in the family; John Schlemmer who is considered a part of this family, always there to assist and remain vigilant during her illness; Frank and Liz DuRoss who shared their generosity and are the best of people; Victoria Taylor Arcuri in whom Georgia saw love, compassion, and mutual admiration; Nancy Yelle who extended many acts of kindness, support, and friendship; and Frances Hutson who prayed daily for Georgia and her family. She was predeceased by her brother, George R. Macaulay, Jr. and his daughter Ann Macaulay Thomas. The family is grateful to Dr. Fred Talarico, Pat Rosati, and Taylor Unser, each of whom was amazing in caring for Georgia; the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially nurse Tina Zahniser, who enabled her to remain at home which was her greatest gift; Dan and Mary Falinski for their kindness; and the Utica Observer-Dispatch delivery man who had a great sense of compassion. His heartfelt sensitivity is known; his identity is unknown. So, thank you. The family will honor and commemorate Georgia’s life at a private time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Georgia’s memory to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online/ or by mail to 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org/donate or by mail to 5664 Horatio Street, Utica, NY 13502. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Georgia’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.