Claire Bauer Kelly, 85, a Walton resident for 38 years, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown surrounded by her family.

Claire was born on September 2, 1927 in the Bronx, the daughter of the late Albert and Helen (Dennehy) Bauer. On June 7, 1969 she married John "Jack" Kelly in Rego Park, New York. She was employed for 30 years as a Medical Writer for Squibb Pharmacutical Company in Manhattan then in Princeton.

Claire was a faithful member of the St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, the Walton Writer's Club, and the Walton Chapter of the Gray Panthers. She enjoyed writing, spending time with her friends, horseback riding when she was younger, and spending time with her family. Claire was known as an upbeat person that always looked on the bright side of things.

Claire is survived by her loving family, Kathleen (William) Statelman of The Villages of Florida; Roseann Kelly of Levitown, NY; Kim (Diane) Kelly of Waymart, PA; Keenan (Allison) Kelly of Walton, NY; Michael (Kelly) Kelly of Jeffersonville, NY; her grandchildren, William and (Tonya), Jennifer, Audrey, Thomas, Janet and (Ken), Christine and (John), Laurie and (Rick), Sharon, Elizabeth and (Geilton), John and her most recent grandson, Quinlan; 14 great grandchildren; her brothers and sisters in law, William Kelly of CO; Catherine and Robert Sables of San Diego, CA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and her sons, John Patrick and Kevin Kelly.

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, May 31, 2013 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 17-25 Benton Avenue, Walton, with the Rev. Edward J. Golding, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in Claire's memory may be made to the St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 17-25 Benton Ave., Walton, NY 13856 or the American Cancer Society, 5 Oak Street, Sidney, New York 13838.