Pamela F. Kelley, a beloved member of the Newport, Rhode Island community, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 80, after a long illness she held at bay for many years. Born on June 14, 1945, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Pam grew up in nearby Washington, NJ with her parents, Paul & Harriet Ford and her sister, Ingrid. Her mother was a native of Sweden, which heritage was always important to Pam. She was an excellent student, majoring in math at Sweet Briar College and an avid horsewoman, although she passed on the option offered by Sweet Briar of taking her horse to college with her.

A math major, Pam became a highly successful computer programmer soon after graduating from Sweet Briar in 1967, the same year she met Brendan Kelley in New York City, whom she married in 1971. Bored with programming, Pam turned to law, graduated from Fordham University School of Law in the late 1970's and went to work for the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Pam moved to Paris with Brendan in 1980, a mid-career break for him and a pivotal move for her, as she was first exposed to the world of French lace, which led to the founding of Rue de France, Pam's successful foray into the world of catalog merchandising. An intense interest in sailing led Pam and Brendan to move to Newport, RI in the early 80's, where Pam grew her successful catalog business and Brendan founded a boutique advertising agency, splitting his time between Newport and Boston.

Pamela's journey through life was marked by intellect, dedication to her work and success, but also a strong sense of community as she served on a number of community-based organizations including The Newport Historical Society, Newport Public Library, The Point Association, Ida Lewis Yacht Club and The Island Cemetery. Pam's work as President of The Island Cemetery became nearly a full time, unpaid position as the Cemetery undertook a major expansion and a total restoration of the historic Belmont Chapel, which had been virtually abandoned for decades. She will be long remembered by a grateful community for her dedication to Newport and its people.

Pam had a gift for friendship and a commitment to family, making her sister Ingrid, Brendan's 6 siblings and all 11 nieces and nephews, their children, spouses and significant others feel a special connection to Auntie Pam. Each of them holds cherished memories of laughter and love shared with a remarkable woman whose spirit touched all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, offering friends and family an opportunity to gather in celebration of her life.

Pamela was preceded in death by her husband Brendan Kelley and parents Paul and Harriet Ford.