Eleanor E. “Sissy” (Bruce) Kelley

Of Revere.  Died on Wednesday, February 1st at the Massachusetts General Hospital surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness, she was 84 years old.
Sissy was born on November 11th, 1938, in Revere to her late parents, Walter & Eleanor Bruce. She was the proud granddaughter of Daddy & Ma Morgan. It was obvious to everyone she met that she had a very special bond with her grandfather “Daddy Morgan”, and it was clear to all that she was crazy about him. Sissy was one of five children. She was raised in Revere and attended Immaculate Conception. Sissy was outspoken about her love of Revere and Revere Beach, especially in its heyday. Sissy married the love of her life Bob Kelley, who(m) she affectionally referred to as her “Kelley”. The couple remained in Revere, where they had four children. Sissy raised her family in Revere & remained very close to her siblings and their children. They all were extremely important to her.

   Sissy & her “Kelley” owned & operated Shannon’s Pub, in Lynn for many years, and B.K.’s Bar in Revere, and their oldest son, Bobby still operates it today. Sissy possessed the perfect personality for the bar business. She was fearless, tough, direct, loving, loyal and in charge! She suffered no fools but would help anyone and never wavered. Sissy would stay her ground and stand up to the toughest people commanding respect from all. She lived life on her terms right until the end. Her family was always most important to her, and she was very proud of her children. She created many wonderful friendships that truly lasted a lifetime. Sissy felt she was fortunate to live her life in Revere as well as her Summers in Ossipee, NH & Winters in “Lauderdale by the Sea” in Florida. She always put out the call that all were welcome filling her homes with family, friends, laughter, and love. All of Sissy’s children’s friends became her family too, and many loved her as if she were their own mom. She was a woman, if you met her once, you wouldn’t forget her. If she was your friend, then you didn’t need another one.
She is the beloved wife of the late Robert P. “Bob” Kelley of 53 years. The loving mother of Robert B. “Bobby” Kelley & his husband Christos Jay of Provincetown, Brian M. Kelley & his Husband Mark Phillip Zylla of NYC, NY., Michael S. Kelley & his husband Ricardo Rodriguez of Boston & Kathleen M. Kelley and her partner Mary Mahoney of Revere. She is the treasured sister of Barbara Bruce – Meade of Revere & her late husband Franklin D. “Frank”, Marilyn “Mal Bruce” – Symmes of Winthrop & Revere, Ret. State Police Sgt. James R. Bruce & his late wife Carol M., & Walter M. Bruce. Cherished grandmother of Chase & Halle Baltzer, surrogate grandmother of Cara Symmes & her daughter Sydney, Brian Symmes & wife Lauren & their children Thomas & Alina and the late Sean Bruce Symmes. Also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, friends & extended family.

   Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, February 10th from 4 to 8 pm in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza Beechwood Home for Funerals 262 Beach St. A funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Saturday, February 11th in the funeral home beginning at 10 am followed by a Funeral Service at 11 am, in the funeral home. Interment immediately followed in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to ST. Jude Children’s Research hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105.