Arlene Mary Kelly

Arlene Mary Kelly, 75, of Palmer, Pennsylvania, formerly of South Plainfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born October 29, 1950, in Jersey City, Arlene was the daughter of the late Shirley Padgett (Bailey). It was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Kelly. They married in 1967 and shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, building a life together centered on family, love and devotion to one another.

Arlene and Joe began their family in Jersey City with their son, Joseph, and daughter, Michelle, before moving to South Plainfield in 1975. They called South Plainfield home for 39 years, raising their children and becoming deeply involved in the community. In 2014, they moved to Palmer, Pennsylvania, where they made many wonderful friends and especially enjoyed spending time playing cards together.

Family was always at the center of Arlene’s life. She was a warm, caring and extraordinarily selfless wife and mother who would do anything for the people she loved. Her home was always welcoming, and throughout the years she became a second mom to many of her children’s friends. As her family grew, she embraced her daughter-in-law, Cheryl, and son-in-law, John, with the same love and devotion she gave her own children.

Becoming a grandmother brought Arlene tremendous joy. She adored her three grandsons, Joseph, Robert and J.J., and loved being part of their lives. A talented baker, she was known for her wonderful cookies and cakes, particularly the many creative, elaborately themed custom birthday cakes she lovingly made for her grandsons over the years.

Arlene’s commitment to young people and her community began as a Cub Scout den mother and grew into many years of leadership in Girl Scouting in South Plainfield. She led two Girl Scout troops and served in numerous volunteer leadership roles, most notably as Community Association Chairperson, overseeing Girl Scouting throughout the South Plainfield community. She was also a delegate to the Girl Scouts of the USA National Convention and helped Senior Girl Scouts in their pursuit of the Gold Award. In recognition of her exceptional service, Arlene received the Emerald Award, Girl Scouting’s highest honor for an adult volunteer. She eventually turned her dedication to Scouting into a career, serving for more than 15 years as Membership Director for the Washington Rock Girl Scout Council.

Her involvement in South Plainfield extended well beyond Scouting. Arlene was active with the Riley School PTSO, the South Plainfield Ponytail Softball League and the South Plainfield High School Music Boosters. In recognition of her many contributions to the community, she was named an Honorary Grand Marshal of the South Plainfield Labor Day Parade in 1993.

Arlene loved spending time with family and friends, listening to music and going to concerts. She and Joe also shared a love of travel, visiting many parts of the country and cruising throughout the Caribbean and Europe. Among all their travels, family vacations to Lake George and Walt Disney World held an especially treasured place in her heart.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Joseph Kelly III; her son, Joseph Kelly IV, and his wife, Cheryl; her daughter, Michelle Merhottein, and her husband, John; and her three beloved grandsons, Joseph Kelly V, Robert Kelly and John Joseph “J.J.” Merhottein. She is also survived by her loving sister, Anne Marie Gawlick; her loving siblings and in-laws; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

She was predeceased by her mother, Shirley Padgett (Bailey); her stepfather, James Bailey; and her beloved parents-in-law, Joseph Kelly II and Jean Kelly.

Arlene will be remembered most for the love she gave so freely—to her husband, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, her extended family, her friends and her community. Her kindness, generosity and devotion to others touched countless lives, and the family she treasured will carry her love and memory with them always.

A Viewing is scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Finegan Funeral Home, 4080 William Penn Highway, Easton, PA. An additional Viewing Period will then be held the following morning, Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a Funeral Service to immediately follow at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fibromyalgia Fund (fibromyalgiafund.org) in Arlene’s memory.