Obituary of Barbara Whalen Kelly

Barbara Ann Kelly was born on August 4, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY to William Thomas and Olga Whalen. She was raised in Massapequa Park, NY with her siblings Robert, Patricia, William, Michael, and Thomas. Barbara attended St. Martin of Tours Catholic School and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School. She was a graduate of Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center School of Nursing. In 1970 she married Kevin Kelly and started a family on Long Island. She later suffered the loss of her twin daughter Amy Jean. In 1978 she relocated to Orlando, Florida where she raised three children (Pamela, Patricia, and Kevin) and would live there for the remainder of her life. She was very proud of her 50 year career as a registered nurse. Barbara experienced all facets of nursing from the emergency department, operating room, flight team, recovery room, hospice, and a variety of specialties where she was respected by colleagues and cherished the lifelong friendships she made. Barbara married Stewart Gilman later in life and was welcomed and loved by the Gilman family. She treasured her life in the Winter Park, FL community. Barbara’s family was her greatest joy and she valued any opportunity to make memories. She has six grandchildren, eleven nieces and nephews, and many beloved family and friends. She lived her life lightly in so many ways. She had no capacity for the dark or heavy places in life. Barbara loved the good times and the sunshine on the water or at the beach. She was eager to open her home to friends and family. Always ready with a meal and a pillow. She did not judge and found a way to forgive. Barbara’s passing was too soon; however, she left us as she lived. She passed on her terms and with great strength and beauty. She left behind relationships that highlight the beautiful parts of her life. She will always be loved and is truly missed. Her light will continue to shine through those she loved. The family will receive friends Friday, March 19, 2021 at the funeral home from 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 pm. A wake service will held at 3:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 20, 2021 by Father John Sureau at St. Martin of Tours RC Church, Amityville. Interment to follow in St. Charles Cemetery, E. Farmingdale, NY. All CDC recommended guidelines will apply to everyone entering the building; face coverings must be worn at all times, social distancing throughout the premises, limited physical contact and interaction. Because of the limited capacity regulations (50% which equals 63 people at a time in the chapel/building at Powell Funeral Home, Inc.) as set by New York State, we ask that all visitors limit their time with the family so as to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to pay their respects. As people vacate the building, additional mourners will be permitted to enter.