Venita Jane Kelly

Our beautiful and beloved Mom, Gram, and GG, Venita Jane Kelly, age 92, of Liverpool, NY, received her reward and entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Born on June 22, 1933, in Apache, Oklahoma, to Loyal and Mary Blasingame, Mom's family moved frequently as they followed work picking cotton. One of her fondest memories was that she and her siblings would pick enough cotton on Saturdays so they could go to the movies. As Mom often said, "Daddy was always looking for a job." After several moves to Arizona and back to Oklahoma, the family settled in Buckeye, Arizona, when she was in the third grade.

Mom often said she had a wonderful childhood with her three sisters, brother and her favorite cousin. She was especially proud to be the first person in her family to graduate from high school, earning her diploma from Buckeye High School with the Class of 1951.

That same year, she married, as she always called him "the father of my children," Donald F. Kelly. Their journey took them to Maine, then Massachusetts, before eventually settling in Syracuse. Beginning in 1965, Mom raised her five children on her own. When asked what she was most proud of, she would say that she raised the five of us with "healthy, good minds." And, while she was Mom to us, she was "Ma" to many of our childhood friends as well.

Mom worked as a WIC Coordinator for Onondaga County until her retirement in 1994.

Mom was a proud member of Abundant Life Church from its beginnings on James Street in the early 1990s. Her faith and love of the Lord were constant and served as a guiding force for her family. If she learned of a problem or heartache, she would always say, "Let's pray about this," and begin with, "Heavenly Father..." We all knew that Mom was our prayer warrior and the love, comfort and peace that exuded from her was felt by everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable gift for calming troubled hearts, offering encouragement, and reminding us to place our trust in God. Her prayers lifted us up through life’s greatest challenges, and her faith-filled example will remain with us always.

She is survived by four of her five children: Debbie Tarbell, Dan Kelly (Gretchen), Cathy Cashier (John), and Dede Santaferra (Jake).

She was the proud "Gram" of Jenni, Ryan, Aaron, Josh, Cody, Sara, Tony, Liz, Katie, Bruce, and Mandy; beloved "GG" to Savannah, Sam, Amaya, Amanda, Samantha, Kali, Violet, Lily, Anthony, Nick, Owen, Beatrice, Aileen, James, and Jocelyn; and cherished "Great GG" to Elsie and Alex.

Mom is also survived by her baby sister, Linda Huth, her favorite cousin, Mark Bullock; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patti Lyon, grandson, Brandon Snow; sons-in-law, Bruce Fritzen and Ken Tarbell; her parents, Loyal and Mary Blasingame, her sisters, Jeanette Staggs and Eunice Dees; and her brother, Paul Blasingame.

Mom loved the many cats and dogs who shared our lives through the years. We are certain that her arrival was welcomed with purrs, barks, and love!

Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a service immediately following at Abundant Life Church, 7000 All Nations Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13057.

Our family would like to thank the staff of Buckley Landing for the love and care they provided during the last four years of Mom's life. She loved you all.

And to the staff of Loretto Fahey, 4th floor, thank you so much for helping us during Mom’s transition. We will be forever grateful.

"Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice knowing Mom is home with her Savior and reunited with those she loved.”

Please sign the funeral home on-line guestbook for Venita to express your condolences to her family.