Susan M. Kelly

Susan M. Kelly (McNamara), 89, of Dayton, Ohio passed away peacefully at her home on February 15, 2026.

Susan is survived by her 4 children: Colleen (Gene Hogan) of Dayton, Tricia (David Moretz) of San Francisco, Michael (Brenda) of Charleston and Katie (Michael Smith) of Denver; her six grandchildren, Sarah Hogan, Ben Moretz, Griffin and Tyler Kelly, and Emily and Leah Smith; and her siblings, Dennis (Christine) McNamara of Niles and Patricia (Richard) Malone of Liberty and by many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends. Susan is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph J. Kelly and siblings, Joan (Thomas) McClurkin and Katherine McNamara.

Born in Niles, Ohio on February 10, 1937, Susan was the daughter of the late Joseph P. and Dorothy A. (Lingeman) McNamara. Susan graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1958 and was a surgical nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She married Ralph on May 8, 1965. Together, they moved to Canton, Ohio, where they happily raised their family, while spending much of their summers at the lake in Madison, Ohio.

Throughout her life, Susan had deep and lasting friendships. She loved sharing lunch, a cup of coffee or a long phone call. She truly treasured her Facetime chats with her kids and grandkids. She loved Lake Erie sunsets, hosting guests on her porch, watching basketball, late-night talk shows and SNL.

Susan had a gift for enjoying the moment. Whether with friends or family, she loved to sit, listen and ask her twenty questions. She loved to laugh. There was no greater joy than to watch her go from a tiny giggle into a full, body-shaking, tear-inducing laugh. She also loved a good treat — chocolate, cookies, Dilly Bars. They all made her happy, almost as happy as cleanliness; a passion and devotion that she dutifully instilled in and bequeathed to her children.

Although Susan's family is deeply saddened by her passing, they find comfort in knowing she enjoyed a long and wonderful life and is now together again with her beloved Ralph.

Susan was truly a blessing to have as a mother, grandmother, and friend. Special thanks to Colleen and her family, who Susan lived with for the past 10 years, and to Nicole, who with Colleen, cared for her lovingly at the end.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School.

To share a memory of Susan or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.