Obituary of Jeanne Bradley Kelly Gerwig

Jeanne Bradley Kelly Gerwig passed away on August 6th at the age of 93. She endured a spirited battle from the side effects of a fall, but finally gave way to COVID-19 while in assisted living in Naples, Florida. 

Born in New York City on February 26, 1928, Jeanne was the youngest of five Bradley siblings. She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart School at 91st Street and was among the first to attend the Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Massachusetts. An active and popular “petite brunette” in New York social circles, she met her husband of 50 years, “Big Ed” Kelly, on the dance floor of the Sherry Netherlands Hotel. From the neighborhoods of Peter Cooper Village and Bronxville, Jeanne and “Big Ed” settled in Rye and raised four children: Frannie Burns of Greenwich, Kate Kelly Smith of Rye, Ed Kelly Jr of Bedford, and Bradley Kelly of Dallas. In addition to her children and spouses, Jeanne leaves behind eight grandchildren, three great grands and lifelong “besties”, Joan Markey and Kay Waterbury.

After the death of “Big Ed” in 2001, Jeanne remarried in 2007 to Robert Gerwig of Greenwich, Connecticut and Naples, Florida. The newlyweds moved into Moorings Park in Naples, where Bob resides now, and were days away from celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary. In addition to Bob, Jeanne leaves behind stepdaughter, Cari Gerwig Jones, stepson, Curtis Gerwig, and three step grandchildren. Her love for “Bobby” kept her going in her final days.

Jeanne, “Jeannie Babe”, Mom, JB, “Mama”, “Pocket Granny” loved and was loved. She had a passion for family, friends, and hobbies. She enjoyed a successful interior design career, leaving her mark on many friends' living rooms, and the women’s locker room at The Apawamis Club. Her love of golf and perfecting her game as a 50+ year member of Apawamis led to 3 hole-in-ones on the links. Jeanne was President of the Rye Garden Club and was an active member of the Twig of Westchester County, supporting local non-profits. Her Shinola golfing group dictated her travel whereabouts. What “Pocket Granny” gave up in height, she made up for in presence, commitment, humor, and strength. 

Final arrangements for an appropriate celebration of Jeanne’s life are yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or avowcares.org.