Anne Katherine (Kelly) O’Hare,1932 – 2021 “Rejoice in each other”
Anne O’Hare, 88, of Fairport, NY, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, Aunt, and friend, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. An identical twin, Anne was born on October 7, 1932, in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, NY. After graduating from Saint Angela Hall Academy H.S. in Brooklyn and Rosemont College in Bryn Mawr, PA class of 1954. Anne married 2nd LT. John (Jack) Thomas O’Hare USMC, on January 7, 1956. They began their married life together in Quantico, VA, and after various assignments for Bethlehem Steel Company settled in Fairport, NY, where they raised six children, Brian, Mariann, Katie, Eileen, Moira, and Colleen. Rochester was an ideal community for Anne to enjoy her passions, with access to world-class music,theater, meaningful volunteer work and athletics, particularly skiing and tennis. The common theme in these activities is they represent Anne’s most treasured value, relationships.
Anne had an active and often entertaining career in real estate. She enjoyed the many clients and colleagues who often became friends. She was a dear friend to many. Her wise council, quick wit and non-judgmental nature allowed her to maintain many close friendships, many of them dating back to the 1930s. The friend she held most dear, was undoubtedly her twin sister, Katherine.
The Kelly twins were fortunate to have travelled extensively from a very young age, many times without their parents. From summer camp, to Europe by steam boat, college weekends and countless adventures in Manhattan, Anne and Katherine always had each other. When Anne was asked if she was ever afraid when she was away from home, she said “I was never afraid. I always had a piece of home with me. I had my sister”.
Anne was a member of St. John of Rochester for 31 years and active with different charities at St. Louis Church, Pittsford, NY. Anne was particularly moved by her volunteer work for Saint’s Place, a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping displaced refugees assimilate to life in Rochester. She was a member of the Junior League. Anne also truly enjoyed her work with the Ladies of Seton. Her Seton group, hosted a spectacular Kentucky Derby party annually, raising thousands of dollars for Catholic Charities.
Anne was predeceased by her parents Helen (Scanlan) and Martin J. Kelly. She is survived by her identical twin sister Katherine Clarke, her son Brian and daughters Marianne, Katie, Eileen, Moira and Colleen, daughter-in-law Rita, sons-in-law Leo Bonetti, Ryan Deasy, Leo Scarantino, Marianne’s Partner Kevin McCarthy, her 13 grandchildren Dan, Alexandra, Shannon, Helen, Sean, Peter, Christine, Michael, Charlie, Colin, Evan, Tim and Connor and her great-grandchild Julian. Anne is also survived by her nephew, Tim and niece Deirdre Clarke who provided so much comfort and care during Anne’s final months.
A recent message to her family, which is exactly how she lived, Anne stated “I feel very privileged to have been born, when I was born and to have a life during that period. I feel so fortunate, and I want to pass that along to you, that every day is precious and enjoy the time that you have. It passes by very quickly. I am so proud of all the of the things you have done. Most of all I’m proud of how you love me. Always love each other, which I know you will and that will bring you the most happiness. Rejoice in each other through the good times and the bad. Put one foot in the front of the other and you will get through life by doing that and taking each day as a precious gift”
Calling hours are 4:00PM to 6:00PM on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at Richard Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport New York. Anne’s life will be celebrated on Monday at 12 PM at Memorial Service St. John of Rochester, Fairport New York. Anyone wishing to donate in Anne’s name, please donate to Saint’s Place Refugee Resettlement Program, www.saintsplace.org/donate
For more on her remarkable life, please copy this link to a wonderful video produced by journalist and filmmaker David Esposito: Vimeo.com/263045932.
Comments
21 responses to “O’Hare, Anne K.”
Love you mom! We miss you already. Love love
Dear Katie, so terribly sorry for your loss. Know that you and your family have been and will be in my thoughts during this difficult time.
It was such a pleasure knowing your Mother over the years whether thr ough McQuaid, Mercy, church or real estate, etc. Most fun was through our Seton group—-she kept us laughing telling us all the “escapades” she and Katherine had as twins!!!May she go in peace and love!! Sally McElroy
Sending love to you all at this sad time. It was always fun having Anne join us for family meals & holidays. She was a kind & generous person.
I’m sorry for your loss. I remember your mom fondly, when I would stop by the house to see Colleen. She was a warm and friendly person. Sending love to you all during this difficult time. Mary
I am sending my condolences to the family. Anne and Katherine were close friends of mine at Rosemont and they were bridesmaids in my wedding in 1955. We last got together at my 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Virginia. I remember fondly our fun times in college and our wonderful friendship. I’m sorry for the loss of such a dear, old friend.
Janet, that is such a fun memory for me. I had My mom and Aunt Katherine staying with my husband and I in Great Falls. We had so much fun on that trip and so enjoyed your anniversary party.
Such a spunky, fun lady to share time with. God bless her & the family she loved.
Your Mom was a delightful witty person who I met at the Perinton Recreation Center in the current channel pool around 10 yeas ago. Sweet lady who was kind & friendly to everyone. My deepest sympathy to all her family at this sad time. Swim with the angels dear Anne.?
Anne was my dear special friend from age five when we met in dancing class in Brooklyn. Her friendliness, warmth, and welcoming nature made you want to be near her. She was kindhearted, always doing acts of thoughtfulness and generosity for others. Anne introduced me to my beloved husband Bernie and together with Katherine she was a bridesmaid in our wedding. Annie’s friendship has been a jewel I have cherished all my life.
She always had a smile and sense of humor. She greeted everyone with warmth and kindness. She was treasure. Good bless
What an honor and pleasure it was to have met and spent time with Anne. Anne was also my realtor and found me my current home. We became friends and I enjoyed our talks where she shared her wisdom about many things. I especially enjoyed going out to lunch with her and and her dear friend Corey. Anne, you will be greatly missed and never be forgotten!
What a beautiful family video! And such a treasure to have after your Mom’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. Even though few and far between, we are so grateful for the moments and conversations we shared. Anne was a special and very interesting lady! I always loved hearing her talk. We will miss her and her sweet smile. RIP Ann. Please say hello to all our loved ones who have gone before us. Love, The Horrocks family: Maria, Bob, Noah, Brandon & Sarah
Our condolences on the death of a very special person who was a wonderful next door neighbor to our mother for over 30 years. We always enjoyed seeing Ann on our visits to our mother. We appreciated Ann as a caring, interesting and entertaining person, who seemed deeply interested in everyone and everything. We know you are a close and special family, and a great legacy to a remarkable woman. May her memory be eternal.
Grandma O’Hare – You were such an amazingly strong mother, sister and grandmother, loved by all. I will never forget your many words of kindness and wisdom to me as I had the honor and pleasure to work for your daughter and watch over your 2 of your most precious gifts; Christine and Charlie. You were so sweet and kind to me and my son Cedric I know you will rest well and easy as you raised an amazing family. Much love, Melissa and Cedric
Brian, Thoughts and Prayers are with you and you family. – Jeff Fletcher
To the O’Hare family – So sorry for your loss. My mother just let me know of your mother’s passing. She was a second mother to me growing up. I have such fond memories of your family’s Christmas parties and hanging out as children. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I just had to add, I watched the video – Wow. What a great capture of time! Your mother gave me her joy and laughter and and it was always fun at the O’Hare’s!!
Brian and Family, thoughts and prayers from the Verizon team. Hope you all take comfort in the full life she led. Thinking of you all.
I wish love and prayers for your family. The video was wonderful and so touching. Anne was such a warm and friendly person. She will be missed but she always worked to make the world a better place. Peace and Hope.
Hi girls, thinking of you all and sending love your way. It was so much fun spending time with her and all of you. What a special person . Of course….. she created all of you! Xx suzanne and Joe