Carolyn E. Kelley

CARIBOU – Carolyn E. Kelley, 77, died peacefully March 6, 2024 at the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle. She was born in Fort Fairfield, March 27, 1946, the daughter of the late Donald and Helen (Kennedy) Demerchant. She was a graduate of Fort Fairfield High School, and married Harvey Kelley. Carolyn was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. For many years Carolyn worked alongside her husband Harvey to run the family potato farm; with Carolyn filling the role of field boss. Many pickers will remember what a tough boss Mrs. Kelley was but all the while she was having tons of fun. During her 77 years of life, she touched the lives and hearts of many through her volunteer efforts which included the County Extension for over 55 years, serving on the Caribou School Board and Scholarship Committee, and serving as a ballot clerk for the City of Caribou. Carolyn was a longtime active member of the Caribou United Baptist Church where she was a member of the women’s mission group and helped with many suppers and youth events. Carolyn was a CNA and spent many years providing in-home hospice care. In more recent years Carolyn volunteered her time at the Aroostook House of Comfort. Carolyn had a great passion for hospice and volunteering at the Aroostook House of Comfort brought her great joy; she loved serving the families and their loved ones during the most difficult time of someone's life, losing a loved one. Carolyn will be remembered by many as a wonderful cook. She won many blue ribbons at the Northern Maine Fair, Potato Blossom Festival and had several recipes published in area cookbooks. Carolyn loved to vacation and travel with her family. She especially loved packing up her mother and sisters and exploring the Amish country. Carolyn enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends especially at barbecues she hosted on the family farm.

She was predeceased by her husband Harvey, sisters, Donna and Shirley, brother Gary, a niece Tammy Verne, and nephew Verne"Butchie" Oaks, Jr. Carolyn is survived by her children, Donald Kelley of Caribou, Jonathan Kelley and partner Melissa Mertz of Bristol, CT, and Kimberly Kelley of Caribou, her beloved granddaughter, Desiree Kelley and her three great-grandchildren, Lilith, Emily and Archer, and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Memorial services will be held at 1PM on June 15, 2024, at the Caribou United Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Carolyn may do so through the Aroostook House of Comfort, P.O. Box 867, Presque Isle, Maine 04769.