Norma L. Kelly Née Bowyer

VANHORNESVILLE -  Norma Louise Kelly, 90, widow of Martin Kelly died peacefully on October 14, 2022.

She attended Crane School of Music in Potsdam, majoring in piano and music education.  It was there that she met and fell in love with tenor and voice major, Martin Kelly. They shared a loving and devoted marriage of 55 years until his passing on July 11, 2014.

Norma taught general music for several years in the Hudson Valley, and taught piano lessons privately from home.  She and Marty were avid rose growers, joining the American Rose Society in the 1970s, eventually qualifying to judge national rose show competitions. They travelled nationwide and became well known in the Society.  The couple started a mail order miniature rose business, called Gloria Dei Nurseries, which ran successfully until the early 90s.

They retired to Van Hornesville, in 1997.   Norma helped to form The Parlour Players, a five-piece ensemble that played at nursing homes in the local area.  She was involved in the Van Hornesville Community Corporation, holding several positions over the years

Norma was a devout Christian, and frequently led Bible study groups.  She loved being near the water, and Chippewa Bay.  She was fascinated by nature, and could sit by the window, reading and watching the birds.  In the summers she would sit on the porch with a bag of peanuts, surrounded by hungry chipmunks.  She was a kind, giving person by all who knew her.

Norma is survived by her two sons, Paul and Brian, their wives Carol and Sue, and many nieces and nephews.  She was dearly loved.  She will be sorely missed.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday November 2 ^nd from 11:00 to 1:00 pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00pm in the Funeral Home.

Memorial donations  may be made to VanHornesville Methodist Church , PO Box 111, VanHornesville, NY 13475.