In Taunton, Barbara F. (Hochberg) Kelley, age 89, passed away peacefully at the Arbors following a brief illness. Barbara was the loving and devoted wife of the late Francis J. Kelley, who she loved until the day she died.

She was born in Attleboro, the daughter of the late Frederick T. Hochberg, Sr. and Louise (Wood) Hochberg, who gifted her with an incredibly happy and idyllic childhood. Barbara was educated in Taunton schools, a graduate of Taunton High School, class of 1946, and also attended Chandler Secretarial School in Boston.

Barbara enjoyed traveling with her husband while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years, and continued traveling to many countries and across the U.S. with family into her eighties. As an example of her interests and resolve, Barbara climbed and crawled into hidden spaces of the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam at the age of 79!

Barbara was employed as a secretary for Princess House for twenty years and remembered those professional experiences and friends fondly. She enjoyed staying active, doing puzzles and games, using her iPad and computer, keeping up with news and events, going to movies with friends, watching football and “Survivor,” and above all cherished her time with family. Even better – time with family that involved ice cream.

Barbara was sharp as a tack until the end, famously organized, accomplished, proper, thorough and correct in all she did, and expected others to do the same. At the same time, she had a great sense of humor and adventure, and a ready laugh. To her children she was forever completely supportive, always a delight to be around for her interest in others.

Her children will strive to honor her lifestyle in all they do by remembering the way Mom would have done it. Even after losing her sight and the use of her hands, Barbara stayed up with technology by using her Echo, and found comfort in routinely watching the news, “Judge Judy,” “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” to keep her mind sharp. She never gave up and always tried to do the right thing.

She will be honored and missed beyond measure by her family. 

Barbara is survived by her loving and loved children — Alan and his wife Linda of New Bremen, Ohio; Scott of Fort Worth, Texas; Lance and his wife Deborah of Murrieta, Calif.; and Karen and her husband Stephen Dewey of Marietta, Ga. She also leaves her grandchildren, Brian Kelley of Texas, and Kyle Kelley and wife Crystal of California; great-grandchildren, Jordan Kelley and Araceli Kelley of Texas; her siblings, Frederick T. Hochberg Jr. of Attleboro and his extended family members (all so special); and the late Patricia L. (Hochberg) Shaw, nieces and nephews, plus her in-laws and their families. Special gratitude and acknowledgment to cousin Lynda Guevremont of Florida and her family, grand-niece Olivia Godin, as well as friend Dolores Vital, the aides at The Taunton Arbors, and service providers at Right at Home, and Integra for your unwavering support.

Special appreciation goes to Mary and Danielle with Encompass — so caring, genuine, and helpful, truly individuals who made a difference in Mom’s quality of life. 

A graveside service will be held at Westville Cemetery on Cohannet Street in Taunton, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m., followed by a shared meal and memories at nearby La Familia Restaurant. Arrangements are under the direction of the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home in Taunton.