Obituary of Doris Kelly

Doris Kelly, 92, of Carver passed away peacefully Sunday morning at home following a short illness. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Jeanette (Howard) Wharmby of Warwick RI and the beloved mother of Colleen Preston of Carver and the late Barbara Slaughter of Amherst NH. She is also survived by granddaughters Kelly Preston of Eastham MA, Meghan Glenn of Westborough MA, and Lauren Slaughter of Nashua NH, great-granddaughter Ivy Glenn of Westborough MA, nieces Dianne Smith of Salem NH, Judith Garbett of Johnston RI, nephew Christoper Bell of Northville MI, and close family friend Patricia Bangert of Yarmouth MA. Born in Fall River MA, Doris spent much of her childhood and early adult years in Rhode Island before marrying and subsequently living in various parts of Rhode Island, Maryland, New York, Massachusetts, Washington State, Virginia, and New Hampshire. She cheerfully regarded each move she made with her family as a great adventure and never tired of packing up and moving on. She moved back to Massachusetts in 1995 where she joined her daughter in operating the Cranberry Book Barn in Carver for 16 years, the longest she had ever lived in any one place for all of her long life. A lifelong avid reader, Doris ran her own small book business in Saratoga NY and was a primary influence on her daughters, both of whom later became book dealers. Her enthusiasm and zest for living were a constant source of inspiration to her family and, until her final illness, she was a dynamo of vitality and activity. Even well into her late 80's, Doris never lost her hunger for new places, new people, and new experiences. In 2006 and 2007 she made extended trips to Honduras where she swam in the Caribbean, snorkeled, and occasionally joined her daughter as a volunteer for the Familias Saludables organization, working on a project to address the AIDS problem in women and infants. The sometimes dangerous conditions in this third world country never seemed to phase her and she often spoke of how the conditions there taught her so much about life and compassion. Doris, or Aunt Dot, as she was called by so many, was a quiet, unassuming, and gentle soul. She was a tiny woman in stature but she left a huge and indelible imprint. She was very greatly loved and will be very greatly missed. Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 8, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm followed immediately by funeral services at 12:00 pm at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Carver. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Plymouth. Doris and her family were deeply grateful for the kind and loving support of Cranberry Hospice during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360.