ALBION – Beverly Lynne Sawyer Kelley, 82, better known as “Gram”, was welcomed by her Heavenly Father on Jan. 11, 2023, with her loving family by her side.

Beverly was born on March 17, 1940, the daughter of the late Norman Sawyer and Phyllis (York) Pratt. Gram learned how to farm at a young age, developing a deep love for animals that would continue through her entire life. She graduated from Penacook High School and spent her summers at the fairs, where she would meet the love of her life, David Kelley and they married on March 18, 1961.

She was a hairdresser for nearly 50 years at Penny’s Hairstyles and “Personali-Tease” in Waterville. Gram had an enormous heart for her community and welcomed anyone, never turning a stranger away. Her workday did not begin or end at the salon. You would often hear her say, “Every day is a great day” and “work isn’t a bad word.”

Gram was a regular in her local church, 4-H Club, and Maine fair circuit, with much love for her huge “fair family”. You could always find her watching her grandchildren doing whatever they loved, whatever they were doing, wherever they were. She really hated to miss one event. She worked 34 years alongside her family in the New Hampshire Building at Eastern State Exposition in Springfield Mass.. If you know Gram, you know her love for basketball. Gram was a parent, coach, and huge fan of her Lawrence Bulldogs; never missing a game!

Beverly was a faithful friend, sister, aunt, amazing mother, and most of all “Gram” to everyone that had the honor of knowing her. Her service to children, the less fortunate, and her entire community was remarkable. This world would be a better place if everyone had a little Gram in them. Turn your ear to the heavens and you will hear God saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant, welcome home.”

Gram was greeted in heaven by her loving husband, David Kelley; daughter-in-law, Mary Kelley; great grandson, Noah Blye; brothers-in-law, George Sweatt and Dean Kelley; and nephew, Scott Sweatt.

She is survived by her six children, Lynne Blye (Bruce), Karey Kelley, Kristen Wescott (Scott), Keith Kelley (Debbie), Kern Kelley (Michaela), and Katrina Dumont (Rick); her 13 grandchildren, Katie Gerow (Dustin), Ricky (Hattie) and Zackarey Blye, Jesse Kelley (Meg), Kelley Wescott (Lucas Paradis), Kolby and Karlee Wescott, Kaiden and Kasen Kelley, Derick Dumont (Raeghan Moody), Lexie, Lizie and Drake Dumont; great-grandchildren, Chandler and Colton Gerow, and Bowen and Brock Blye; her sisters Penny Sweatt and Willie Grenier (Mike); nephews Daren and Brian Sweatt (Belinda), Jared Grenier (Samantha), nieces Jennifer Buck (Jason) and Ariel Grenier; and many great-nieces and nephews; as well as hundreds of adults and children who called her “Gram”.

A Celebration of life will be held on Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. at China Baptist Church, 36 Causeway Rd., China, ME 04358 with an ice-cream social to follow.

Fond memories may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice that benefits children or animals in need.

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