Claudia Marie Kelley

On July 15, 2021, Claudia Marie (Marsh) Kelley made her journey to heaven. Claudia was born on April 26, 1946 in Salinas, California. She grew up in Salinas with her mother Theresa Marsh, father Paul Marsh and her brother Gary Marsh. She attended Salinas High School where she was the President of the Future Homemakers of America. While in High School, Claudia met the love of her life, Daniel Kelley. They were married for 44 years until Dan’s passing in 2013. She attended Hartnell College where she majored in Home Economics. They moved to Pinole, California in 1974 and was a resident of Pinole until her passing.

Claudia is survived by her son Christopher Kelley from Dripping Springs, Texas, and his wife Amanda Kelley and their 4 children Adara, Joseph, Tabitha, and Lucas. Her oldest daughter Tracy (Kelley) Borghesani from Fairfield, California, and her husband Eric Borghesani and their two children Nicholas and Megan. Her youngest daughter Sara (Kelley) Barfield from Vallejo, California, and her husband Michael Barfield and their two daughters Ashlyn and Madison.

In addition to raising her family, Claudia was a retail store manager for the Limited Brands managing Picadilly, Sizes Unlimited, and then the Avenue 27 years she won their Summit top Manager award almost every year of her employment. Claudia served as the PTA President for Stewart School for many years receiving the PTA Honorary Service Award for her outstanding community service to children and youth. She was also a Girl Scout Troup Leader as well as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She had a profound love for theatre and instilled that love of the arts into her children and grandchildren.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s parish for over 50 years. At St. Joseph she was one of the founding families to start their beloved Oktoberfest. She has never missed chairing something for the Oktoberfest since its conception. She was a past leader for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and taught the first grade CCD class. She was a Eucharistic Minister. She was an active member of YLI and could often be found baking cookies and creating their amazing gift baskets for their events.  

Claudia knew how to make and keep friends for a lifetime. From her Elementary School best friend, Georgia Brown to her Bunco Babies. The Bunco ladies were 12 members of St. Joseph’s that would meet once of month, play Bunco and ensure they laughed and caught up on the month’s events. You would rarely see Claudia without her trusty sidekicks of Fran Jones, Mercy Madigan and MaryAnn Albright. She is now reunited in heaven with her other two best friends Gwen Rezentes and Marge Mulchaey.

Claudia was a generous and caring woman who had givers heart and loved doing for others. Her infectious laugh and smile could light up any room. She served her community with dedication and pride, but it was her love for family and friends that will never be forgotten. Thank you, Claudia, for being an amazing Mother, Grandmother, Friend and Christian. You will be missed, but always remembered.

Service:

St. Joseph’s Church

Pinole, Ca

Monday, August 2 at 10 am

Outdoor Reception to follow at St. Joseph’s School, Pinole, Ca

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