Obituary of Dawn Alma Kelly

It is with great sadness that the family of Dawn Kelly announce her passing which occurred on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Hampton, NB, April 7, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Alma (Jenkins) Hill.

She will be deeply missed by her loving family, and large group of friends. She is survived by her children: Grant Kelly (Tammy) of Hampton, NB, Mark Kelly (Tanya McCluskey-Kelly) of Quispamsis, NB, Scott Kelly (Angie Reynoso) of Raleigh, NC, Glenn Kelly of Moncton, NB and Andrea Kelly of Saint John, NB; loving grandchildren who will cherish their memories of Nanny Dawn. She loved them all dearly and was so proud of them; Jessica Durdle (Brad), Brandon Kelly (Judith Bullock), Stephen McCluskey (Erin), Josh Kelly, Jocelyn Kelly (Noel Leblanc), Kristen Kelly (Jared Conrad), Robert Kelly and Isabella Kelly; great grandchildren: Landyn,  Rowan, Zachary, Kloe, Tristan, Preston, 

Adopted granddaughter, Lindsey also held a very special place in mums heart at a time when she needed a granddaughter; brother-in-law Robert Kelly (Claire); sister-in-law Loretta Hill (Jack Hill); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. In addition to her parents, Dawn was predeceased by her brothers: James “Jim” Hill, John “Jack” Hill and Douglas “Doug” Hill.

She had many friends and family including her clients cross over before her, and they will all welcome her into their open arms & dance together once more. Some very special friends of note: Ellen Anne Sansom; Armande Frenette; Cathy Coleman; Ruby Laird, Mary Spicer; DesNeiges Reiker. My cousin, Shannon told me My uncle David Kelly will say 'Oh boy, here comes Alvarette!" When he sees her. Some special clients: Annie; Dr & Mrs. Tonning; Margaret, Evelyn Anderson & more. She will run towards all of them.

Anyone who knows her, knows that Mum was dead honest, you always knew where you stood, and she was the kindest sauciest, strongest woman we will ever know. She was as sharp as a tack, wanted to iron the emerge Dr's scrubs - and told him. She never lost her personality, right up until the very end. Mum always wanted to be a nurse, she was encouraged to do something else as a teenager, but in the end, she was every bit a nurse to all of her elderly clients. A parent to the parent-less and a confidante and friend to many she adopted along the way.

Mum had many talents, the first of which is the gift of gab. You all know it! Some of her other notable talents, include poetry, sewing costumes, wedding & bridesmaid dresses, cooking and baking. A talent she learned from her mother, Alma. She could do pretty much anything she set her mind to and she shared that knowledge with anyone who wanted to learn. Mum loved to spend time with her family and friends. She cherished her time taking care of people, young and old.  

She was an extremely hard worker, starting as a child helping her mother with boarders at their home; helping her Grampy Jenkins at the Hampton Rural Cemetery, where she will reside in body. She worked several home based jobs while she was married and had babies. She always put money aside so her kids could enroll in sports & extra curriculars. She had three boys under three! She was a stay at home mum for her five children for a little over fifteen years and loved every minute of it. She loved it so much, when her youngest went to kindergarten, she started a playschool in her home. She took all of the people in her life under her protective wing and spoke of them up until her passing. 

She loved all people, but especially children and seniors. She loved even when love wasn't returned.  She was a special person. She loved all of her fur babies just as much as her human family. They all lived long lives due to her loving care. Some special pets, Abby her black lab; Cats: Molly, Annie, Simon & Sophie to name a few. They loved her as much as she loved them. Her reputation as a care giver will long outlast her 83 years on this earth. She loved to dance and often told us "she was no wallflower". Some special friends: Helen Parker was someone she still spoke with regularly and loved like a sister, along with Carol Cosman. Other very close friends were Danny Lavigne and Lorraine Earle who Dawn thought so much of. You were all angels to mum and she loved and appreciated you all.

She had a very strong faith in her Baptist upbringing and always told us her mission here was not complete. After she had her stroke, her strong will and faith in God, kept her protected in her home, at her request for many years. She believed God had a plan for her and together they decided it was time for her next chapter.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Saint John Regional Hospital staff, some special Kindred Care Givers, Jess, Tiffani, Patty, Chantel, and many more, the Extramural Program and for all of her angels and their assistance and compassion, throughout this difficult time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, where visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM on Monday, December 8. The funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from Reid’s Funeral Home.

Donations in memory of Dawn may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Kidney Foundation, the Saint John SPCA or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com