Obituary of Lorraine O. Kelly

Lorraine Kelly passed away Sunday, October 14, 2013 – just ten days short of her 92nd birthday - at the Cortland Regional Medical Center, with family by her side, after an unsuccessful battle to recover from a recent stroke. She was born Oct. 24, 1921, to the late Raymond Tallman and Margret Jaram. She lived most of her adult life in Cohoes, NY, was a graduate of Russell Sage College and worked for the NY Department of Taxation & Finance until retirement. She was over 40 before she learned to drive and to ski and earned her B.A. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, the outdoors and animals – especially cats. But her greatest joy was people, particularly young people. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and "Aunt Lorraine" to the children of family and friends alike. She was a giving person and a caregiver to a host of relatives over a span of decades. She is survived by her sons, Frank Kelly (Sandra Holland), David Kelly, a granddaughter, Erin Kelly (Kevin McGraw), two great grandchildren, Anna and Owen McGraw – all of Cortland, NY – a step-son, Keith Kelly (Susan) and their daughter, Sarah, of Albany, NY, a brother, Hilton Tallman of Saratoga Springs, NY a sister, Marjorie English of San Diego, CA and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service and celebration of her life are planned for a future date. Contributions can be made to the Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline Health Center, Box 39, Ithaca, NY 14850 - or a charity of one's choice. To offer online condolences, visit www.wright-beard.com.