Anne Eleanor Kelly

Anne Eleanor Kelly, 90, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2021, at her home in Brentwood, with her loved ones beside her. Born on December 27, 1930, in San Francisco, the family moved to San Mateo in 1935 where Anne attended St. Matthew’s Catholic Grammar School. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in Belmont and briefly attended Lone Mountain College before completing a business office program in Sacramento.

Anne never married, nor had any kids, but was totally dedicated to her parents, Mae Higgins Kelly, who passed in 1984 and Charlie Kelly who passed in 1979. She had a beloved older brother, Chuck Kelly, who predeceased her and was a devoted aunt to his three children, nieces Lynn Kelly Tei (Randy) and Pam Kelly, and nephew Scott Kelly. Anne also leaves behind her decades-long close friend Peggy Cooney and her husband Mike, and long-time Kelly family friend Jeff Perlis. Anne was very proud of her more than four-decade career as administrator, teacher and counselor at Mount St. Joseph-St. Elizabeth and their Simpatico School in San Francisco and of its 169 year legacy of providing shelter, education and resources to vulnerable, at-risk children and their families.

After retiring from Mount St. Joseph, Anne moved to Summerset III in Brentwood where she kept busy with her book and film clubs and volunteering. Her volunteer work included being on the committee for Contra Costa County’s Agency on Aging and delivering meals to seniors for the Meals on Wheels program.

A passionate dog lover her entire life, Anne reveled in her pups, Tammy, an independent Blue Merle Collie, Taffy, a loyal Cocker Spaniel, and Casey, a soulful Beagle. In her last two decades, Anne was a doting surrogate Mom to Lynn and Randy’s dogs, Max, Clarabelle, Emma and Sadie.

Anne was a die-hard fan of the 49ers, Warriors and USC Trojans. She prized a personalized photo from her “boyfriend” Dwight Clark and felt that Steph Curry was the greatest thing in short pants (she felt he “hung the moon!”). Anne possessed an indomitable spirit and was extremely strong willed, which enabled her to successfully live her life on her own terms. One of those terms (and she wouldn’t hear otherwise) was to die at home. The family is forever grateful to her primary caregiver, the wonderful and supportive Wendy Schilling, and to caregiver LaKisha White. Their compassionate and attentive care allowed Anne to live out her last days at home with grace and dignity.

A private celebration of life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.