Aileen Moriarty Kelly
March 3, 1930 - May 6, 2022
Aileen Moriarty Kelly of Orinda, California passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022 at the age of 92 peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Orinda, California. An ever-loving wife and devoted mother, Aileen is survived by her children Dana Lee Sankey (Warren), Thomas Kelly (Nora), Kevin Kelly, and Mary Kelly Allegrucci (J-D); her grandchildren Brian Lee (Lauren), Kelly Lee, and Katie Lee (Eric Wojciechowski), Sam Kelly, Emma Allegrucci, and Megan Kelly; her greatgrandchildren Kingston Lee, Annaston Lee, and Kailee Wojciechowski.
She is also survived by her brothers Daniel (deceased) Moriarty (Elaine), John Moriarty, Steve Moriarty (Jane), Dennis Moriarty (Terry), Mike Moriarty (Dede), and Joe Moriarty (Carol), her only sister Mary McCaffrey (Jack, deceased), and sisterin-law Dolores Ramirez (Bill, deceased), she was a loving aunt to and adored by many nieces and nephews.
Aileen was preceded in death by her adoring husband of nearly 62 years, John Thomas (Tom) Kelly, both natives of San Francisco, California.
Preceded in death by her mother Mary Patricia O’Connell, native of Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Ireland and her father Daniel Joseph Moriarty, Jr., native of Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, her infant brother Mickey Moriarty, and grandson Jack Kelly.
Also preceded in death by her mother- and father-inlaw, Margaret and Thomas Arthur Kelly and brother-inlaw Jerry Kelly and sistersin-law Patsy Ramirez (Bill) and Ann Young (Ray).
The eldest of nine children, Aileen was likened to a second mother to her seven brothers and one sister, yielding 20 years between herself and her youngest brother.
Aileen grew up in the Sunset District in San Francisco. She attended grammar school nearby at Saint Cecilia’s, graduated from Saint Vincent’s High School, and then continued on to San Francisco College for Women at Lone Mountain, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduation, Aileen became a school teacher in San Francisco. She later received her interior design degree and enjoyed decorating her friends’ homes as well as her own. She certainly had a distinctive eye!
Over the years, Aileen enjoyed gardening, travel, playing bridge and dominoes, being active in the church, volunteering with Friends of Hospice - Orinda, and especially making memories with her friends and family.
In 1953, Aileen and Tom met at a Saint Patrick’s Day party, apropos for both who were raised in traditional Irish-Catholic families. They married in 1955. During their marriage, their first home was in West Covina. Then, they were transferred to Seattle, Washington, where they welcomed their four children. Once again, transfers took them to San Marino, Moraga, and ultimately they settled in Orinda.
On behalf of the family, we would like to extend special thanks and unending gratitude to Aileen’s beloved caregiver, Sela Penitani, who became an extension of her, providing the utmost loving care and compassion, while preserving Aileen’s dignity over the last six years up until the moment of her passing.
Services to be held at the Church of Santa Maria, 40 Santa Maria Way in Orinda, CA
- Vigil on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 7:00pm
- Memorial Mass on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 11:00am
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice East Bay or a charity of your choice.