Maura Kelly Kehew, 59 of Indian Hill Circle, Middletown, RI passed away unexpectedly April 26, 2016. She was surrounded by her family. She was married to her beloved husband Michael P. Kehew for over 37 years. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Perry, her husband Robert Perry and two grandchildren, Isla Perry and Gavin Perry of Cranston, RI; her daughter Erin Kehew of Somerville, MA; and her daughter Brenna Kehew Sculley and her husband Joseph Sculley of Hartford, CT. She was predeceased by her eldest daughter Megan Kehew Baroni, and survived by Megan’s husband Roland Baroni. She was the daughter of the late Francis Kelly, and is survived by her mother Eileen Mannion Kelly of Glen Cove, NY and her brother Edward Kelly and his wife Modena Kelly of Glen Head, NY.
Maura was a 1978 graduate of Salve Regina College. After dedicating herself to the care of her own four daughters, Maura decided to open and run her own home day care center. Maura provided a beautiful, warm atmosphere full of learning, respect, and love, just as she did for her own children. Maura cared for hundreds of children over 25 years and the children and parents became more than just a community; they were family. Maura’s own children and the children she cared for always knew that they were her top priority; she had a unique way of making each child feel truly special. After the birth of Maura’s two grandchildren, Isla and Gavin, Maura joyfully decided to care for them part-time and work with her husband as a customer service rep at the Kehew and Vaillancourt Insurance Agency. Though she admittedly had no love for the insurance business, she did enjoy speaking with customers immensely. Maura could start a conversation with anyone at anytime, anywhere!
Those who knew Maura best knew that she was one of the most selfless people they would ever know. She dedicated her entire life to the happiness and wellbeing of those she loved and never asked for anything in return. Maura accepted everyone with open arms and made them feel welcomed by the warmth she exuded. It is no surprise that Maura and Mike’s house was always a favorite hangout place with an all-hours open door policy. Nothing made Maura happier than being beside her soulmate, Michael and surrounded by her beloved daughters, sons-in-law, friends and grandchildren. She had an ever-present smile on her face and a bubbly, positive outlook on life, regardless of the situation. Her kindness, patience, and humility she exhibited as a wife and mother are qualities her children will strive to emulate in their own lives.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016, from 3:00-7:00PM, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at 10:00AM, in St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Her burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, Brown’s Lane, Middletown.
