In Memory of Sharon Lee Kelley

Obituary

Sharon Lee Kelley, 82, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Sitrin Health Care Center.

She was born on December 4, 1941, in Utica. Sharon was the daughter of the late Lee G. and Vera Byrns Kelley. She attended New Hartford schools, graduating in 1959. Sharon went to SUNY Cortland graduating, 1963. In 1969, she earned a master’s degree from the University of Iowa while teaching at the undergraduate level. She taught elementary physical education for many years in Gouverneur, NY, taking early retirement to return to New Hartford to care for her mother.

Sharon had a deep love for nature and wildlife, especially moose. Summers at the family cabin on Moose River in Old Forge, many trips with special friends to Pleasant Pond in Maine and the trips with her Theta Phi sisters to Camp Pine Knot on Raquette provided Sharon with some of her happiest memories.

Sharon was always active. She swam in National Senior Olympics in Orlando, FL, Hampton Roads, VI, Pittsburgh, PA and Louisville, KY. She played volleyball for more than twenty years and enjoyed hiking and mountain climbing. She authored two books, Life Reflections and Joyful Living.

Sharon accepted the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease with courage and the determination not to let it control her life. Through physical therapy and her positive attitude, she was able to continue to travel, write poetry, participate in Senior Readers Theater and to serve on the board of the Parkinson’s Support Group going well into her 70s.

Sharon is survived by her brother, Norman Kelley (Mary) of New Hartford; godson and nephew, Christopher Lee Kelley; nephew Matthew George and many, many Friends.

In keeping with Sharon’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Her ashes will be spread in the Adirondacks. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In memory of Sharon, please consider a donation to Save the Chimps, PO Box 12220, Fort Pierce, FL 34979 or the charity of choice.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.