Betty Kelley Guerette

WINTHROP – Betty Kelley Guerette, 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Winthrop on Jan. 31, 2026, surrounded by love.

She was born in Winthrop, July 8, 1930, daughter of Floyd and Inez Marston. She attended Winthrop schools and graduated high school at the age of 16 as salutatorian of her graduating class.

Her early work employment began in Winthrop as a secretary for the telephone company and she went on to work at both the high school and elementary schools. She married Philip Kelley on June 3, 1950. They remained in Winthrop, raised a family of three sons, and one daughter and were active members in the community. Betty enjoyed a long term as president of the American Field Service and welcomed two foreign exchange students whom they hosted from Argentina and Afghanistan.

After being predeceased by her husband Phil, she married Robert Guerette, a Winthrop native, in 1977. The couple moved to Seattle, Wash. for five years before relocating back to Winthrop and building their home (aka “happy place”) on Maranacook Lake. Betty enjoyed trips to the fishing barge in British Columbia and became an avid salmon fisherman. Her bragging rights with her 28-pound salmon that she single-handedly caught is proudly displayed in a picture that hangs at her home. Betty enjoyed spending time with her bonus family as well.

Betty lived her life with quiet strength and grace even in adversity and loss. She was generous and offered kindness freely and never asked or expected anything in return. She had an optimistic disposition and always chose to see the best in both situations and people. Those who know her will remember her steady presence, her open heart and the way she made others feel loved and welcomed, simply by being herself. Her greatest happiness in life was her family, who were always at the center of her heart. Nothing made her happier than planning menus or accommodations for any number of family members to visit. She was gentle and kind in spirit, gracious in all she did, and had a warmth that made people feel instantly at ease. With her outgoing personality and genuine interest in others, she formed many lasting friendships. Her pleasant disposition and sense of humor remained with her until the very end.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, connection and determination that will continue through her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

She was predeceased by husband, Philip Kelley; sons Stephen and David Kelley; brother, Philip Marston; husband, Robert Guerette; and life long friend, Ben Harrington.

She is survived by son, Mark Kelley (P’nok) of Hot Springs Village, Ark., daughter, Karen Fulmer (William) of Dallas, Texas; seven granddaughters, Kim Kelley and Kristen Ross of Winthrop, MacKenzie Kelley of Hamden, Conn., Kelley Kelley of Dallas, Texas, Megan Scott of Colorado Springs, Colo., Emily Rudzinski of Dallas, Texas, Rachel Rencher of Lincoln, Neb.; 11 great-granchildren, Abbie, Bennett and Camden Ross; Katie Kelley, William and Samantha Rohrbaugh; Preston, Hunter and Lainey Kelley; Maggie and John Scott; and a daughter-in-law, Regina Kelley of Winthrop.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Maine General Home Care and Hospice for the superb care and guidance offered during the last few days before her passing.

Visitation will be held at Roberts Funeral Home in Winthrop on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 12, at Roberts Funeral Home at 3 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, where condolences, memories, livestreaming and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.khrfuneralhomes.com/.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

The Maine Community Foundation in honor of the David A., Philip E. and Stephen P. Kelley scholarship fund- mailing address:

45 Main St.

Ellsworth, ME 04605