Barbara Brady

Barbara Brady of Hilton Head Island and Freeport NY, passed away peacefully on Aug 11 at age 83.

Barbara was born to Dorothy (nee White) and Matthew Kelly in Brooklyn NY and raised in a loving and observant Catholic family with younger brother Michael and “baby” sister Mary (Puddy). The Kelly’s moved to the seaside community of Freeport on the south shore of Long Island where they joined their Brophy (6), White (4) and Luzon (8) cousins. The popular suburbs offered many outdoor diversions (boating, fishing and beaches) and an easy commute to Manhattan thanks to the LIRR.

Barbara attended Holy Redeemer grade school in Freeport and Our Queen of the Rosary Academy HS in Amityville. The influence of her primary education stayed with Barbara for the rest of her life as she adopted characteristics of selflessness, kindness, generosity, humility and an ever-present sense of humor. For a time, she entertained the thought of devoting her life to God, but discovered that a Laic life of good deeds and private devotion was more to her nature.

Her education continued at Molloy College where she earned a correspondent degree in education. Life’s circumstances took her in a different direction and she settled in to a career as Office Mgr. for two Dental Practices of John Needham and John Masters. One of her patients became the love of her life, as Barbara joined James Brady in a marriage made in heaven in 1974. Jim was a bank executive for BNY and a perfect match for Barbara. They too made their home in Freeport, enabling them to share in all those wonderful summers with “the family” at their beloved Malibu beach Club in Lido Beach.

The Kelly’s felt the pain of an early death when Barbara’s Dad Matt died suddenly just before Barbara and Jim wed. Twelve years later Mom Dorothy would reignite a High School romance and marry Jack Luzon. Dad Matt Kelly was felt irreplaceable, but Jack came as close as possible to being the perfect “Step” Dad. He and Dot were the trunk of the family tree as grandkids and great grandkids arrived. Barbara and Jim never had children, but they were especially close to Brother Michael and Lynn’s children Tiffany, Miles and Colleen.

While vacationing in Hilton Head, Barbara and Jim grew to appreciate a fondness for the area “discovered” by the Brophys and Luzons. In 1993 they joined Sister Mary in the purchase of a beautiful condo overlooking Broad Creek in Shelter Cove. It became their vacation retreat and a frequent gathering spot for the expanding family. Mary would eventually sell her interest to the Bradys and make nearby Hilton Head Plantation her home overlooking Skull Creek.

Tragically, Jim died from heart disease at the early age of 62, having spent 20 wonderful years with Barbara. She never remarried, but in later years was joined on life’s journey by longtime family friend Bill Maguire. Barbara and Bill enjoyed a lively social life in Freeport that included frequent outings with the “Hungry Hounds”, a close knit group of adventurous diners with common interests and gourmet tastes. Conversation was never a problem.

Barbara had an aversion to flying, but with Mom & Jack around the corner, Freeport became a natural gathering spot for family reunions and Holidays. Mary visited often from Hilton Head and the sisters relished their annual visits “out east” at their favorite waterfront resort in Greenport. Michael, Lynn, Tiffany, Miles and Colleen were frequent visitors despite living in San Diego, and to this day consider the Malibu Club as their favorite beach ever! After Michael retired, he and Lynn moved to Jacksonville FL. As a result, Freeport and Hilton Head became even more attractive destinations for clan gatherings, and the Kelly siblings grew closer than ever as Barbara spent her final years at Shelter Cove.

When ailments started to slow Barbara down, she was able to rely on two guardian angels who made her household easier to maintain. In Freeport, that help came from Maryann Scavelli in Hilton Head it was Yogi Thompson. The family is grateful for the role that these two caring souls played in making Barbara’s golden years shine. (Barbara’s beloved cat Mango has found his retirement home with “Aunt Yogi”.)

Barbara was preceded in death by father Matt (11/73), Mom Dorothy (9/08), Step Dad Jack (2/17), Husband Jim (7/94) and close friend Bill (11/19). She leaves behind Brother Michael and wife Lynn of Rancho Mirage CA, and Sister Mary of Hilton Head SC, nephew Miles Kelly (Amy) of Pleasanton CA, nieces Tiffany Doyle (John) of Gilroy CA, Colleen Noel (Matt) of San Anselmo CA along with 7 grandnieces and nephews 1 great-grandniece and 1 great-grandnephew.

The family is comforted in knowing that sweet Barbara is with the Lord she worshiped her entire life. Peace!

Memorial services will be held at 10AM Monday, November 2, 2026, at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church in Hilton Head. Barbara’s remains will be interred after the ceremony at the adjacent Parish Columbarium (next to Aunt Jo and Uncle Al Luzon).