Elaine B (Bombara) Kelly

Douglas -Elaine B. (Bombara) Kelly, 88, formerly of Franklin St. passed away peacefully on  Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Lydia Taft House in Uxbridge where she had resided for the past 5 years. Her husband of 62 years John J. "Jack" Kelly died April 12, 2020.

Born in Whitinsville, MA on March 13, 1935 Elaine was the daughter of Frank and Mary (Bordiga) Bombara; her siblings Francis “Frank” Bombara and Helen M. (Bombara) Shannon both predeceased her.  Elaine is survived by 4 children, Joan M. Butterfield and her husband Bruce of Westerly, RI, Rosemary Kelly Pond and her husband Stephen of Northborough, Timothy E. Kelly and his wife Ann of Shrewsbury, and Patrick J. Kelly and his wife Cheryl of Douglas; 11 grandchildren Caitlin, Padraic, and Liam Rafferty; Benjamin, Christopher, and Aleksandra Pond; Shannon and Sean Kelly; Kathryn, Brenna, and Riley Kelly; 2 great-grandsons Conor and Cameron Rafferty; several nieces, nephews, and friends. Elaine lived in Douglas her entire life until moving to Lydia Taft House in 2018. 

Elaine graduated from Douglas Memorial High School in 1952 and went to work as a secretary at the Hayward-Schuster Woolen Mills, Inc. until she married and started her family.  Once her children were in school, she returned to the workforce as a “lunch lady” at the Douglas school cafeteria.  Having prior bookkeeping experience, Elaine later ran for and was elected to the position of Douglas Town Treasurer which she held for several years.  She transitioned to the private sector as a bookkeeper for Strategic Pricing Group retiring in 2002. 

Elaine’s first priority was always her family – she was selfless in putting her children’s needs before her own.  As the family grew to include grandchildren, Elaine’s house was always the hangout for gatherings, cookouts and especially holiday celebrations.  A lifelong Douglas resident, Elaine spent much of her time as an active member of the community.  At St. Denis Church, she was a member of the Catholic Women’s Council, at one time holding the office of President.  She was a lector, chaired fund-raising events (Mother’s Love), and baked for the Bereavement Committee.  Elaine was a member of the Douglas Historical Society and became known for her butternut squash soup and apple pies during Octoberfest.  She was an active member of the Holy Name Central Catholic High School Booster Club.  In retirement, she worked as a ballot checker for town elections.  Elaine and her husband Jack were a team, attending all sorts of local events and enjoying many lifelong friendships in the town they loved.  Dolores Colonero is one of these friends who supported Elaine and Jack in later years, sharing conversation, providing rides to church, playing cards and checking in regularly.  During the last 5 years at Lydia Taft House, Elaine developed a wonderful friendship with her roommate Marguerite “Peggy” Denis, who became her close companion and supporter especially when they were quarantined for several months during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Calling hours will be held Thursday May 25 from 9:00am to 10:30am in Jackman Funeral Home, 7 Mechanic St., Douglas, followed by Elaine’s Memorial Funeral Mass  Thursday May 25, 2023 at 11:00am in St. Denis Church, 23 Manchaug St., Douglas.  Cremation burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to Douglas Ecumenical Food Pantry at St. Denis Church (508) 476-2002 – or online https://saintdenischurch.com/food-pantry-donation .
To leave a condolence message for the family please visit www.jackmanfuneralhomes.com.

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