Gladys T. Kelly, 1906-?

KELLY Gladys Thompson Kelly, 97, of Fairhaven, Sykesville, died Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at the Fairhaven Health Center in Sykesville, Md. She was born April 27, 1906 in Sioux City, Iowa to Joseph and Matilda Thompson. She was the beloved wife of the late George Alexander Kelly, an eminent psychologist who was the author of The Psychology of Personal Constructs. Gladys Kelly grew up in Sioux City, Iowa and attended Morningside College. Upon graduation in 1926, she moved to Sheldon, Iowa, where she taught high school English and drama. It was there that she met her husband. They were married on June 3, 1931. The couple moved to Hayes, Kan., where Dr. Kelly accepted a teaching position at Fort Hays Kansas State Teachers' College. After WW II broke out, Dr. Kelly enlisted in the Navy and the family moved to Washington, D.C. In 1946, Dr. Kelly was appointed chairman of the Clinical Psychology Department at Ohio State University. The Kellys moved to Worthington, Oh., where they lived for the next nineteen years. Mrs. Kelly was active in a number of Faculty Women's Club study groups, particularly those devoted to literature and drama. She was an eager hostess. She enjoyed entertaining Dr. Kelly's students when they gathered at the Kelly's home for weekly seminars. In 1965, Dr. Kelly accepted a Chair at Brandeis University, and the couple moved to Framingham, Mass. After Dr. Kelly's death in 1967, Mrs. Kelly continued to live in Framingham until 1976, when she moved to Leisure World in Silver Spring, Md. In 1991, she moved to Fairhaven in Sykesville, where she remained until her death. Mrs. Kelly was raised as a Lutheran, but she became a member of the Presbyterian Church after her marriage. During her later years, she regularly attended the Interfaith Services at Fairhaven. Gladys Kelly met the challenges of her life with courage and strength. While married, she devoted her life to her husband and children. She loved traveling, she once spent an entire year accompanying her husband on a lecture tour around the world. After Dr. Kelly's death, she built a new life for herself. She participated in a number of interest groups both at Leisure World and Fairhaven. She continued to travel extensively, including a six week tour of China when she was in her 80's. She loved to read, and books became her constant companions during her twilight years. Mrs. Kelly is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Aldridge of Ann Arbor, Mich.; her son, Joseph and daughter-in-law, Susan Kelly of Waldorf, Md.; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. from the chapel at Fairhaven, 7200 Third Ave., Sykesville, Md. with Rev. Fielder Israel officiating. Burial will take place in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Worthington, Oh. on Monday, February 2, 2004. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Fairhaven Residence Assistance Fund. Arrangements are with HAIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, Sykesville, Md.