Helen S. Kelley, age 88, passed away on September 27, 2025 at Concord-Laconia Hospital, Laconia, NH.
Helen was born on November 1, 1936, and was the adopted daughter of Bertha and Leon Evlian. She was raised in Hopkinton MA, graduating from Hopkinton HS, where she was a cheerleader and played for the girls’ basketball team. Thereafter she lived most of her life in the nearby towns of Northboro, Westboro and Shrewsbury MA. At the time of her passing she lived near her family in Laconia NH.
Helen married Joseph M. Kelley of Hopkinton on May 23, 1959, and together they raised 2 children. They were married for 63 years until Joe’s passing in 2022.
Helen was known for her boundless energy and generous spirit. In addition to raising a family she worked in her children’s school system and was an active volunteer with the school’s booster club. To promote girls sports she jumped into coaching Lassie League softball for a number of years, winning a league championship along the way. After her kids left home she worked full time as an office manager for small businesses, as well as selling real estate.
Helen enjoyed gardening, line dancing, driving fast cars and spending time on their boat in the waters off Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She loved elephants, collecting dozens of figurines and pictures of them. She never gave up her volunteer spirit, continually offering her time to numerous causes throughout her life. For many she will be remembered for her tireless efforts in support of family and friends in their time of need.
Helen is survived by her daughter Patricia A. Kelley and her son John J. Kelley, his wife Jennifer and their daughter Lexi. She has one surviving brother, Richard Sebilian of Medway MA.
A graveside service will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton MA, followed by a celebration of life luncheon for all friends and family to attend and celebrate Helen’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Helen’s memory.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.
