Ann and Murray Kelly

Jackie M. Kennedy Gedling posted a condolence Monday, 7 September 2020 I am an English Cousin on the Kennedy side, and I was devastated to learn that Ann & Murray passed away on 6th August. I have such fond memories of making visits to Canada over the years and visiting them on at least a couple of occasions in their magnificent home at Base Line Road and being on the receiving end of Ann & Murray’s generous & very warm hospitality. I always came away feeling a better person for having visited them. I was always made to feel so welcome even though I lived so far away. I only wish I could have come to Canada more regularly, but I had family responsibilities back in England, as I was an only child and was very involved in caregiving for my own parents. My deepest condolences and sincere sympathy go to all the other members of the family. Jackie Kennedy Gedling

Dear Jan, Margo, Steve, Sheila and Mary and all of the extended Kennedy/Thompson/Kelly clan members, just to let you know I am thinking about you and about your beloved Ann and Murray. Their love of life was so obvious both in the way the lived their lives and in the way they decided at the end, that the party had to move to another room! May you always remember them hand in hand.

Lauren and I were so saddened to hear about Aunt Ann and Uncle Murray's passing. Jan, Margo, Steve and Sheila, we're very sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you. We have so many fond memories of Aunt Ann, Uncle Murray and the entire Kelly family. That wonderful home on Baseline road with the rolling front lawn and Ann asking everyone as they woke up and traipsed downstairs how they'd like their eggs. Swimming in a pool (I think it was the Kennedy's?) and Uncle Murray playing his saxophone in the evening after dinner while my Mom played the piano and sang. My Mom telling us about Uncle Murray's detailed life plan for his education, business and most important of all, family. Aunt Ann's always gentle, kind and encouraging presence. As we grew older, understanding the incredible bond between my Mom, Uncle Murray and Aunt Ann. All the trips they took together (right up until just a few years ago) that always resulted in wonderful stories, many including some mischievousness on Murray's part! Most of all, Ann and Murray's example of a life well lived, filled with love, laughter and kindness - and the most wonderful marriage and love story. All our love, Scott and Lauren Meden

With great sadness I had received word of Aunt Ann and Uncle Murray’s passing last week. My condolences to Jan, Margo, Sheila and Steve, and to extended family. I have many great memories of the Sullivan and Kelly families when we got together, whether at Christmas Eve, some Summer event or Spring breaks. Like when our two families would rent rooms at a motel with a swimming pool inner court at Myrtle Beach. Us kids would basically live in the pool with our toes and fingers rubbed raw from the pool bottom. When we were called back to the room for dinner, we entered the ‘adult’ party room, filled with much love and laughter, Aunt Ann and Uncle Murray and my mom and dad at the center of it all. Who could forget Christmas Eve at the Kelly’s. Great music, delicious food and a riot of activity from one room to the next. Each and every time, Aunt Ann would be the attentive host, making sure I had a drink in one hand and a paper plate full of food in the other, while catching up on my news. Aunt Ann was the sweetest and most gracious lady I have ever known. I believe that Aunt Ann and my mom helped create the Nearly New Shop (that still exists) as a way to fund London’s first school breakfast program. My dad Harvey and my Uncle Murray had a deep and strong relationship that wasn’t so much to be understood or to be analyzed but to just be acknowledged and to be enjoyed as such. They glowed together, and we children and friends felt the waves of love in the afterglow. When I was trying to fill in some holes in my memories of my dad, I would ask Uncle Murray and he would tell me many stories of him and my dad, and they usually involved mischievous fun. These stories extended from childhood right up into their professional careers. Aunt Ann and Uncle Murray seemed to be the perfect couple. So well matched and peaceful together. I enjoyed their stories of how they would disagree about something and instead of arguing, would place bets. It seemed that Aunt Ann was the winner of most of these bets. Paul Sullivan

My father worked for Murray for many many years. I remember Murray being at our house playing the saxophone while my dad played guitar. Years later my father ended up buying shares in the company with 3 other partners and becoming Hearn Kelly. Murray was my fathers friend not his boss, Murray was very forwarding. Families loved Murray's 4 day work week as we all got to spend more free time with my father. My dad passed away May 29th this year but I can say he would have been saddened by Murray and Ann's passing. My sympathies to your Family.

I haven't seen your parents in quite some time, but when I heard the news of their passing, I could see them so clearly and hear their voices and laughter as if they were in the room with me. They were incredible, lifelong friends to my mom, Phyllis. The calm, quiet presence of your mom is part of many of my childhood memories. Ann was quick with kind gestures in turbulent times, offering support, some manner of food, and always a swim. I was always amazed at how your Dad could get away with a gentle ribbing with my mom where others could not. He got a pass for being a fellow musician, I think. For me as a kid, your home always reverberated with energy, fun, comfort, and laughter. I remember even then admiring your parents' joy for life, and the deep friendships they had with so many. As I got older I also had a deep respect for their life as a couple and the 'oneness" of Ann and Murray. The solidness of that. I am so glad that they were able to move on to the next phase of existence together as well. I can only imagine that they did so with style and grace. Warmest thoughts to you, Jan, Margo, Sheila and Steve. What lives they lived and what a legacy they have left. Tonight Patrick and I will throw on some Big Band tunes, grab a cocktail and picture my mom at the piano and your dad on his sax and the laughter, joy and humanity your parents brought to all the people who were lucky enough to know them.

On behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of London, I would like to extend my condolences to the family during this difficult time. Thank you for your support and for Ann's years of service on the Board. My deepest sympathies. Chris Harvey CEO Boys and Girls Club of London

I'm so thankful to have had Ann and Murray as key people in our family's life. Our parents were close friends and Ann and Murray were also my God parents. Each family had 4 kids growing up in the 50's & 60's, which included boating the great lakes, trips south, it was an enchanted childhood for sure. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve's were not be missed at the Kelly's on Base Line Road. Murray became a wise advisor to me when I started my own business in 1977, Master Auto Care. I continued to enjoy visits with them after they both retired, always such gracious hosts. The Ste .Marie family sends lots of love to the Kelly family, surrounded in a lifetime of wonderful memories. Jeff Ste.Marie

With much melancholy we read to-day the beautiful Obituary of Ann and Murray Kelly. We admired the grace and gentle ways of Ann and the mischievious Murray as they colored the world of Curlers and Golfers at the Highland Country Club over the span of 60 plus years. Their friends were legion and truly blessed. Murray curled with Ken when they went to the Masters Finals in Toronto and left as runner-ups in 1990, no small feat in those competitive days. Our very sincere condolences to the children and remaining family during this difficult period of mourning. Ann and Murray left us in Style and will always be an inspiration, remembered so fondly by all those who are left behind. Carol and Ken Setterington.

(Donated to Boys & Girls Club of London)

In loving memory of our wonderful Aunt Ann and Uncle Murray Kelly. Scott and Lauren Meden

(Donated to Boys & Girls Club of London)

(Donated to Boys & Girls Club of London)