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In Her Words
Candid Profiles of Strength Told by the Women of Northbridge

Throughout the month of March, we have collaborated to celebrate Women’s History Month and the rich history of the amazing women living in our communities. Their candid stories are brimming over with love, happiness, passion, family values and the markings of individuals who have truly lived well and loved life.

Hope’s Story (Resident of Ledgewood Bay at Milford)

What is your Name?
Hope Kelly

What are the names of your parents?
My parents names were Jeanette and Bob Kelly and my siblings are Brian, Mike and Mary

How did your parents choose your name? Does it have a special meaning? Did you have any nicknames?
I do not know how my name was choosen but I do know that I love it! When I think of the meaning of the word Hope I think of not pretending that troubles don’t exist. Hurts will be healed, troubles overcome, and a source of strength and renewal lies within. It leads us out of the dark into the light.

When and where were you born?
I was born on August 30, 1937 in Mt. Kisto, New York.

What kind of things did your family do together when you were young?
Growing up I did alot with my family. We would Fish, host outdoor cookouts, go swimming. For two weeks in July my father would be off work and my siblings and I each got to pick one day to do the activity they liked best!

What did you love to do with your friends?
We loved having sleepovers outdoors, we were all Girl Scouts!

What schools did you attend? What were your favorite subjects?

I started school at 5 years old and was always the youngest in my class. Grades 1-5 were in a one room schoolhouse in Bedford Village, N.Y. Grades 5-12 were in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. I attended Bates College in Lewiston, ME and then transfered to Oswego Teachers College in New York.

Where have you lived?
I haved lived in Bedford Village, N.Y.; Briarcliff, N.Y.; Ossining, N.H. and Milford, N.H. I had a summer home in the Bershires and would stay there from the end of the school year in June until Labor Day.

Have you had jobs? Who did you work for and what did you do?
I was a first grade teacher for 34 years.

What are your hidden talents?
I am creative and love to do crafts.

What did you do to get through the difficult times in your life?
Pray. Let go Let God.

Do you have holiday traditions? What do you do for the holidays?
I love putting up decorations for the holidays and sending our cards. In my family each person would open one gift at a time so everyone would see what they got. I lived with my parents so all of my siblings would come to our house on the holidays.

What are some of your favorite things?
Color? Pink and yellow
Flower? Daffodils
Book? A Dogs Purpose by Bruce Cameron
Foods? Roast Beef and mashed potatoes, I also love most vegetables and fruits
Pet? Dogs

What are some personal experiences that have especially touched your heart?
The death of my parents, my Mother in 1980 and my Father in 1983.

What are your favorite things to do now?
I love playing board games and brain games.

What are your favorite expereiences to partake in at Ledgewood Bay?
Painting, brain games and the entertainment that comes in.

What is your biggest piece of advice?
Praying to the Virgin Mary.

Sum up your personality up in one word…
Friendly