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Anna Marie Kelly, 77, went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2026.

Anna Marie was married to John Paul Kelly, the love of her life, for 48 years, and with whom she raised four children.

Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Anna Marie was a 1966 graduate of St. Mary's High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron and became a teacher, first in the Medina City Schools and later at the Nurtury, where she taught preschool for 20 years.

An avid reader and a keen writer with a longtime interest in biology and medicine, Anna Marie could've been at home in any number of fields, but she was never happier than when in the company of young people. In her 4s and 5s classrooms, she cultivated curiosity, creativity, and discovery. From sensory tables to dress-up corners and forest rambles, Mrs. Kelly helped the youngest learners navigate things like cold pricklies and warm fuzzies, excited to plant the seeds of compassion and wonder in those under her care—and eager to watch them blossom and grow. And for 30 years, she also partnered with her husband as an assistant coach for the Medina High School championship-winning girls' and boys' tennis teams.

A formidable advocate for those she believed in, Anna Marie never passed up an opportunity to tell someone how much she appreciated them. Quick to both console and motivate, she was a strong and independent woman who prided herself on helping foster more strong independent women, including young mothers in her years as a La Leche League leader. Anna Marie trained lectors at church, sang in the choir, and calligraphied banners and awards for anyone who asked. She brought panache and style to all her pursuits, including gardening and blue-ribbon-winning baking.

And her laughter and enthusiasm could only be described as infectious. While watching movies or TV shows she'd seen dozens of times, Mom would shake her head and laugh until tears rolled down her cheeks. At choir concerts or theater productions, she could often be heard shouting "Bravo!" above the crowd and leading standing ovations. And at family gatherings, if anyone's baby cried, Mom would scoop her up and bounce, snuggle and sing her to sleep.

Anna Marie was preceded in death by her husband, John, and her parents, Orland Joseph and Mary (Cinocca) Scarpitti.

She is survived by her four children: Jenny (Scott) Kelly-Masloski; Kevin (Alexandria); John (Rose); and Annmarie (Ken) Kelly-Harbaugh. Anna Marie was the proud "Nonna" to six grandchildren: Katherine; Elizabeth; Henry; Natalie; Fiona; and Joseph. She also leaves behind her dear sister, Christine (Tom) Bloomer of Hartville, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cherished wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, grandma, teacher, and friend—Anna Marie reached into the lives of so many. Her faith and fierce love of her family radiated through much that she did. For those of us fortunate to have known her, the world will be a less colorful place without her presence. But her children, grandchildren, and former students carry on what she nurtured in them, and nothing would've brought her more joy than watching all of them shine.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Cardinal Court Assisted Living, StoryPoint Medina, and Visiting Angels who so lovingly cared for Mom in her final years.

The Kelly family will receive friends and loved ones on Tuesday, January 20, 3:00–7:00 p.m., at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N Court Street, Medina, Ohio. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 21, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 606 E Washington Street, Medina, Ohio, followed immediately by burial at Spring Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Birthcare of Medina County, 620 E. Smith Rd., Unit E-5A, Medina, OH 44256, or The Medina City Schools Foundation , P.O. Box 1035, Medina, OH 44258. Please put John Paul Kelly Memorial Scholarship in the memo line.