Kerri A. Kelley
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Published in Legacy.com in March 2026
Dover – Kerri A. Kelley, 58, of Dover, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:54am surrounded by the love of her family and friends after a long and courageous battle with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, after being diagnosed at the age of 38. She received a single lung transplant in April of 2016 which provided her with an additional 10 years of healthier living.
Born on May 27, 1967, at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, MA, Kerri was a devoted mother, beloved wife, and cherished daughter and friend whose warmth and strength touched the lives of all who knew her. She was the proud mother of four children; Jonathan, Kaitlin, Ashley, and Nicole who were the center of her world and the greatest source of her pride and joy.
Kerri welcomed Jonathan and Kaitlin during her first marriage to Michael Cassily. They have continued to remain great friends through the years. In September of 2004, Kerri married her true soulmate, Shawn Kelley. Shawn and Kerri shared a deep love for life’s simple pleasures, often spending memorable evenings together in downtown Portsmouth, where they enjoyed dinner and drinks, and the vibrant coastal atmosphere. They also took immense pride in their membership at Wentworth by the Sea and Cocheco Country Club, where they created many lasting memories surrounded by friends and community. Following Kerri’s transplant, Shawn devoted himself wholeheartedly to her care. With strength, compassion, and love, he stood by her side through every moment providing comfort and support until his untimely passing from ALS in May of 2023. Together they built a life grounded in love, respect, partnership, and unwavering support for one another.
Kerri brought warmth and light to every corner of her life, from the home she so beautifully crafted to the friendships she cherished deeply. A devoted animal lover, she adored her many “fur-babies,” who were constant companions and a source of endless joy. Each week she looked forward to her beloved dinner club with friends, where laughter and stories always filled the room. She looked forward to summer parties and holiday outings held at the Hussey/Howard compound. Kerri found happiness in supporting her beautiful twin daughters throughout the years, and their love for competitive cheerleading. She had a gift for shopping for others, an unmatched talent for DIY projects, and a natural eye for interior decorating that made every space she touched feel special.
Kerri was pre-deceased by her husband Shawn Kelley. She is survived by her son Jonathan Cassily; her daughter Kaitlin Howard and husband Mike; and twin daughters Ashley Kelley and Nicole Kelley. She was a proud and loving grammy to Karsyn and Kennedy Howard, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her mother, Roberta “Bobbi” Large and husband Rich Marsh; her father, Ken Large and wife, Linda; her brothers David Fischer and girlfriend Amy Nasser; Troy Large and wife Jessica; Scott Large and wife Maren; and her sister Krisitin Visnovske and husband Steve. Kerri will also be deeply missed by her many stepsiblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members here in the US and in Sweden, all who she loved so deeply.
Kerri will be remembered for her resilience, her compassion, and her ability to bring people together. Even in the face of illness, she showed remarkable strength and grace, often getting through any difficult situation with ease, time after time. She was a true inspiration when taking on this thing called life. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in her children, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 27th, 3 – 5pm at Purdy Funeral Home, 655 Central Avenue, Dover, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 28th at 11am at Saint Joseph Church, 150 Central Avenue, Dover, NH, with a gathering to follow at Ember Wood Fire Grill from 12:30 – 2:30pm in Dover.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS at www.ccals.org.