Zelienople family celebrates great-grandmother’s 100th birthday
ZELIENOPLE — Beatrice Kelly’s backyard was full of cheerful chatter, happiness and some accidentally popped balloons as her family and neighbors gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday Saturday, Sept. 19.
“She grew up during the Great Depression, which is why she joined the military, so she could become a nurse,” said her daughter, Kathy Reisinger.
Born Sept. 12, 1926, Kelly raised seven children, six of whom were in attendance Saturday. She married her husband, Richard Kelly, in 1949, a union that would last until his death 65 years later.
Beatrice’s little white house in Zelienople, where Reisinger said she and all of her siblings were raised, made the perfect site for the party. Inside the house, the dining room table showcased photographs from Beatrice’s lifetime.
The table included black-and-white photos of Beatrice in military uniform; pictures of her dates with her husband; photos of her holding her infant children; photos of her with her boyfriend after her husband died; and other remarkable memories from 100 years. Handwritten cursive letters and captions on photos added a heartfelt touch.
Also included was a letter from the White House and a Congressional Certificate signed by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, honoring Beatrice’s 100th birthday.
Reisinger and Linda Russell, Beatrice’s sister, said Beatrice embodies what it meant to be kind and strong. Russell said that because she and Beatrice were born 15 years apart, they weren’t close as children but developed a beautiful bond as they grew older.
“She’s the best person I’ve ever known,” Russell said. “I’ve learned not to tell her that because she hates it. She’s very humble.”
Beatrice has spent much of her life involved in her church and community, and she’s loved to help people, Reisinger said.
“They called her the card lady,” Reisinger said. “Whenever someone got married or had a baby or something like that, she would send them a card.”
Reisinger said that because of Beatrice’s age, Beatrice spends most of her time inside these days. She loves spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she enjoys watching “Little House on the Prairie.”
“It’s her favorite TV show. If you ask her what she wants to watch, that’s what she’ll say,” Reisinger said.
Michael Kelly, Beatrice’s third-oldest son, describes his mother as an incredible mother who loves and cares for all of her children equally.
“Even though there were seven of us, we always knew we were loved,” he said.
Growing up, Michael Kelly said he remembers the tremendous effort Beatrice put into sewing clothes for him and his siblings — specifically, his prom suit.
“One thing I’ll always remember is that she was a great seamstress,” he said.
Michael Kelly also described Beatrice as a servant who gives unselfishly and helps others.
“She drove for Meals on Wheels for years and often took the grandkids,” Michael Kelly said. “The kids would always ask to go when they came over. She was always a great example for the kids and us.”
