Obituary of Theodosia T. Kelsey

Theodosia “Teddy” Kelsey passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at her home in Toms River, New Jersey. Teddy, the daughter of Charles and Ruth Emerson Thompson was born in Detroit Michigan on June 28, 1926. She was raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and attended Katherine Gibbs School, The Boston School of Occupational Therapy and Tufts University where she graduated with honors. Teddy led a full life that was rich with family, friends, and accomplishments. She was a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother, and a great grandmother. She was a homemaker, a den mother, a career woman, a devoted member of her church, a colleague, a travel companion, and a Mexican Train and Canasta partner. Teddy married the love of her life Robert John Kelsey in 1950 and together they raised their four children, Robert, Patricia, Charles and Christopher. During their 60 year marriage Teddy and Robert were best friends and soulmates who committed themselves to each other’s personal and professional growth. Robert was Teddy’s most ardent supporter as she built a thriving Occupational Therapy Practice and then as she became increasingly involved as an educator and leader in the local, state, and national Occupational Therapy Home Care arenas. Teddy was a Fellow in the American Occupational Therapy Association and an ardent supporter of the profession for over 35 years. Teddy was equally devoted to her family with whom she shared her passion for travel, literature, cooking, and the outdoors. She will be truly missed by her children and their families, her extended family, and her friends. Teddy was predeceased by her husband Robert. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, a beloved sister, Harriet Truman of Littleton, Colorado, a sister in law, Diana Adams, Grandchildren Todd, Brook, Michael, Shaun, Peter, John, Robin, Marina, Jason, great Grandchildren Leila, Audrey, Presley, Drew, Malcolm, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service in celebration of Teddy’s life will be held at 11 am Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington Street, Toms River New Jersey, 08753 where Teddy was an active member for many years. A reception will be held at the church after the service. Cheerful colors and smiles are requested. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Episcopal Church.