Laurie A. Kelly

(68), beloved family woman, passionate activist, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at her home surrounded by family seven months after the death of her adoring husband of 43 years, Michael G Riley. She was born on May 16, 1958, in Dalton, Massachusetts.

A loving mother, she is survived by her children: Brett Kelly-Riley (husband Louis), Quinn Kelly-Riley, Ford Kelly-Riley, and her cherished grandson Joziah.

A woman of sharp intellect and deep curiosity, her pursuit of knowledge and truth was marked by many accolades throughout her life. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Skidmore College (1980) with a degree in Political Economy as an elected member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Societies. She spent her junior year studying at the London School of Economics and at the University of Vienna, Austria. A lover of the arts, she was an accomplished musician, writer, and painter. Laurie started her career on Wall Street as an equity options trader with Paine Webber, later becoming Vice President of Special Sales.

Since moving to Rhode Island in 2003, Laurie quickly ingrained herself in the community, known as a leader and advocate for many causes including improving local Hospital care and community spaces.

For many years, she served as Chair of the Narragansett Library Board of Trustees. Laurie helped lead the effort to create a new public library for Narragansett, a space that now stands as a symbol of learning and community connection. In 2019, the Rhode Island Library Association named Laurie Trustee of The Year.

Laurie’s dedication to public service included a run for Town Council, demonstrating her commitment and passion for serving residents and belief that civic leaders should reflect the will of the people.

This past year, Laurie was inducted into the “Knights of the Rockingham Arch”, where she was recognized for her dedication, leadership, and contributions to the community.

In addition to all her accomplishments, Laurie was a woman who contained multitudes. She was known for her strength and conviction, yet she found comfort and joy in her menagerie of adopted pets. A true animal lover, Laurie had a lifelong affinity for horses, which she rode and cherished. A voracious reader, her love of books extended to the preservation of rare collections and access to all. Laurie’s love of gardening was evident to all who visited her home.

Laurie is preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Geraldine, and her eldest brother, Craig. She is survived by her brothers John and Ford Kelly (Husband of the late Ruth Kelly), Sister-in-law Cheryl Carrol and nephew Kevin Kelly.

As noted in her induction into The Knights of The Rockingham Arch, “Narragansett is a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant community because of her”. Her loved ones would like to reaffirm that her presence strengthened not only the town of Narragansett, but the world at large.

A visitation to honor Laurie’s life will be held at NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory - SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt. 1A), Narragansett, Rhode Island, on July 1, 2026 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at the same location from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The funeral service will be LIVE-STREAMED via the Nardolillo Funeral Home Facebook Page

Memorial contributions to the American Library Association or floral tributes sent to Nardolillo Funeral Home are both deeply appreciated by the family.