Sandra Walsh Kelley

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Sandra Walsh Kelley, of Hadley, died at her home on June 19, 2010. Sandra was raised in Williamstown, the daughter of the late Phillip B. and Susan (Cleland) Walsh. Sandra graduated from Williamstown High School in 1960 and attended Syracuse University and Tobe Coburn in New York City.

Sandra leaves behind her daughters Susan Hahn of Norwell, and Katherine Kelley of Denville, N.J.; her son-in-law, Jonathan Hahn; and granddaughters Gillian Walsh Hahn and Mallory Kelley Hahn. She also leaves her brother, Timothy Walsh of Pownal, Vt., and many nieces and nephews.

Sandra owned and operated the family business The House of Walsh in Amherst, founded in 1902 by her uncle. Sandra moved to Sunderland in 1961 and began working at The House of Walsh, where she met her former husband, Peter Kelley, of Penn Valley, Calif. Sandra and Peter moved to Hadley in 1972. Sandra had a passion for skiing from a very young age and became a world class competitive skier.

Beside her children and grandchildren, her passions included her love of animals, especially dogs, the Connecticut River, sports and politics. She was an avid reader, a free spirit and had a true sense of adventure.

Calling hours will take place at Douglass Funeral Home on Thursday, June 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 25, at 10 a.m. also at Douglass Funeral Home, 87 North Pleasant St., Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sandra Walsh Kelley Memorial Scholarship Fund, Hopkins Academy, and should be sent to Easthampton Savings Bank, 100 East St., Hadley, MA 01035. Obituary and register at www.douglassfuneral.com.