Obituary of Mary Joan Kelly

Born in Montreal, QC | Raised in Hudson, QC | Perth, ON

Our beloved Mom concluded her courageous three-year journey with cancer on September 11, 2026. She passed away very peacefully at home with her children, Robin and Shawn, lovingly by her side.

Mom lives on in the vibrant memories and endless love of her children, Robin Kelly and Shawn Kelly, who will forever celebrate the incredible life she shared with them. She was predeceased by her beloved father, Godfrey Bethune, mother, Marjorie Bethune and eldest brother, David Bethune (February 2026). She leaves behind her brother, Stephen Bethune; nephew, Adam Bethune; loving and devoted partner, Scott MacKay; Kevin Kelly, with whom she shared over 25 years of marriage; sisters-in-laws, Lisa Kelly, Judy Bethune and Zale Bethune; brother-in-law Shawn Harper; and her many cherished relatives, friends and two cats. Among them, Cindy Penman, her soul sister with whom she shared a deep and lasting friendship of over 40 years. She is also remembered by her dear friend, Jo-Ann Crozier, whose legendary bond was built on laughter, loyalty, and closeness where they could finish each other's sentences. She leaves behind the Bischoff family, with Crystal and her children who share countless treasured memories over the years.

Born in Montreal and raised in Hudson, Quebec, Mom moved to Lanark County, Ontario, at just 19 years old, bravely stepping out to build a life she truly loved. She then married, and built her home in Lombardy, where she raised her children for over 25 years. She then made her way to Perth and Smiths Falls, where she has been residing for the last 15 years, continuing to bless the lives of everyone around her.

She was a beautiful reflection of warmth and grace; even now, the shadow of her absence is shaped entirely by the brilliant, luminous spirit she was. Moving through the world with a fierce devotion, she possessed a rare, magical gift for bringing a joyous, fun, and light-hearted spirit to everyone she met. Her unique laugh was an instant spark of pure sunshine, but she was, above all, a true keeper of the hearth. At home, she found her ultimate sanctuary, nurturing a peaceful retreat where warmth, love, and creativity could truly flourish. Her happiest days were spent wrapped in these gentle comforts—surrounded by her family, her cherished pets, a favourite book, show or YouTube channel and a project in progress. Mom’s maternal heart extended naturally to all living things.

She was incredibly proud of her career, bringing her trademark warmth to CIBC in Smiths Falls for 17 years, followed by, nearly 27 years as a beloved Customer Service Representative at Wills Transfer Limited in Smiths Falls and Perth. To Joan, colleagues quickly became family. As company president Terry Wills beautifully noted, "She was a special individual. She left an extraordinary feeling."

If you looked at Mom’s résumé, you’d miss her finest work entirely. Her real masterpiece was the family she grew and the unconditional love she wrapped us in. She lived by the rule that faith, laughter, and a classic homemade meal could cure just about anything. Through a lifetime of entertaining and hosting unforgettable gatherings, she showed us that the sweetest memories are always made around a crowded table with incredible people.

Mom viewed the world through a wonderfully creative mind and a heart full of colour. She had a natural talent for turning nearly anything into art. She poured this passion into deeply personal gifts, often writing tender poetry for her dad and crafting beautiful, custom cards for those she loved. She was an enthusiastic baker, famous for her muffins, cookies, and her nephew Adam’s favourite pecan pie. Her kitchen was a place where food was never simply food—it was comfort, creativity, and generosity.

She had an elegant spirit with a mischievous smile and a playful streak that could appear at exactly the right moment. She lived her life with a whimsical wit and a wonderfully frugal spirit. Her corny sayings would arrive at completely random times, with the absolute confidence of a stand-up comedian.

Her three-year cancer journey was defined by extraordinary perseverance, yet it was also filled with many beautiful, pain-free days packed with family, laughter, and love. Her immense strength came from her deep faith, hope, and the unwavering care of her dedicated children, friends, and health care teams. During treatment she beautifully referred to herself as a “baby bird.” She truly was my Mom and my sweet baby bird and so it will always be- so precious, loving and full of humanity. She was a warrior who never needed to announce it—she simply kept going.

She was not only a mother but one of her children’s closest and dearest friends. Their extraordinary bond was woven through trips, hobbies, holidays, new experiences and quality family time. We refuse to let the final difficult chapter define her; instead, we choose to carry her forward through a lifetime of extraordinary memories—from fond dinners to beautiful moments spent sharing stories and laughter with loved ones.

Mom was a radiant, quick-witted rock-and-roller with a luminous spirit and unwavering faith. Her unconditional love, strength, and the cherished memories she shared so freely live on in our thoughts, our memories, and our hearts.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Terry and Heather Wills, Cindy Penman, and the RCF Church for their generous donations and support.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the dedicated health care teams who have supported my Mother and our family with such compassion over the last few years.

We are profoundly grateful to her family doctors, Dr. Mattice and Dr. Drummond, for their guidance and for keeping her so comfortable. Our deep appreciation also extends to the outstanding teams at Kingston Health Sciences Centre for her cancer treatment, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, and Bayshore HealthCare for her care and ongoing support.

Thank you to the skilled teams who oversaw her surgery and care at Kingston General Hospital and Hotel Dieu Hospital, and to the staff at Van Horne Manor Retirement Residence for providing such comforting respite care.

Your professionalism, kindness, and unwavering support during this journey have meant the world to our entire family.

All who knew her are welcome to attend and share in celebrating Joan's life at Rideau Christian Fellowship Church 8 Craig St, Perth, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM. In honour of Joan, memorial contributions to the Kingston Health Sciences Centre - Cancer Care, The Perth & District Union Public Library or the Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Home, Perth.