Frances Fairbairn Kelly
April 29, 1912 - April 21, 2013
Obituary
Frances was born 4/29/12 in Seattle, across from Providence Hospital on 17th ave, to John S. Kelly and Bertha Elizabeth (Fairbairn) Kelly. She was soon joined by a sister, Mary Beth Kelly, and brother John Kelly. She was an accomplished pianist, having played the piano from age 4, and delighted the young and old with her wonderful musical talent. Many remember her as an organist for St. Patrick’s and St Joseph’s parishes in the Capital neighborhoods.
Frances worked for North Pacific Railroad as a legal secretary for over 30 years. She was proud of her accomplishments in tying and shorthand. Many notes were found by her devoted family in the house, all written in shorthand.
Frances took many trips to Vashon island to the family cabin in the summer, and is remembered especially for her love of birds, and fossils. The family moved to Federal Ave east in 1960, and Frances will be remembered by many in the neighborhood as the “telescope lady”, delighting people that passed by with a look in the telescope at the moon, and stars.
Frances loved playing the game of Mahjong, and she and Mary Beth had devoted followers for their games (it was considered a rare occurrence to beat them). She followed the Mariners, and most particularly John Olerud, whose mother worked with her at the railroad for many years.
Frances attended Immaculate Conception grad school, and graduated from Holy Names Academy. She had a strong devotion to her Catholic faith, and was a long time Parishioner at St. James Cathedral.
The family would like to thank the following people for their care, love, and devotion: Ana Barahona, Michelle Hood, Mary Cruise, RN and the caregivers at Magnolia Adult Family Home, Providence Hospice, Dr. Brad Harris (Polyclinic), and Dr. Ann Padilla (Harborview Palliative Care). Special thanks to the devoted neighbors of Federal Ave east for their support and friendship over the years.
I extend my sympathy to Frances’ family upon the loss of their dear aunt.
I remember well one afternoon, with Eleanor Honnigfort, travelling downtown to see Frances and Mary Beth. I had a mahjong set of my grandmother’s to show them. We had a great lunch, viewed lovely paintings, and listened to wonderful piano music, and even played a beginner’s game (for me) of mahjong.
I value that time I spent with 3 outstanding women.
Blessings to the family.
It is with a sadness that we learned of the passing of Frances. Although heaven is now an even better place with the sounds of Scott Joplin loud and lively. Our family spent many Christmas’s parading through the house and we kids reveled in being spoiled with hot chocolate and treats at the dining room table with carols all around. Too say nothing of looking forward to the toys in the basement, especially the ViewMasters and the vast collection of discs. Frances, MaryBeth, Alice and Mrs. Kelly made each of us feel so special. We loved to hear the stories of times on Vashon that particularly brought a smile to my Dad. What special ladies. Passing along lots of love, thoughts and prayers on behalf of our whole family, Katie Geraghty.