Barbara A. Kelly

Barbara Ann Kelly, 81, of New Cumberland, died peacefully on April 15 at Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, surrounded by family, after hearing Elvis Presley sing, “If I Can Dream” one last time. Born on December 14, 1943, in Snowden Township, Pennsylvania, to the late Frank and Jane Lackovic, Barbara entered the world during a rare thundersnow storm — and left it amid a brief, wind-whipped spring thunderstorm that cleared to reveal a bright, beautiful sunset. In November 1962, Barbara enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and completed her basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas. After an initial assignment at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama, she was posted to Germany. While stationed at Ramstein AFB, Barbara rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving with distinction. Her dedication to her work was notably recognized in an August 1967 letter of appreciation, where a high-ranking military official commended SSgt Lackovic’s contributions during a “Safe Haven” operation to evacuate military families from Libya to Ramstein, stating that her efforts “gave true meaning to the words ‘The Air Force Takes Care of Its Own.’” Barbara always remembered her days in the Air Force fondly, cherishing the friends she made and the places she traveled to, from Amsterdam to Paris to the Holy Land. Among the many other things — “all different” — that Barbara loved: Cherry blossoms, tulips and all the “happy faces” of spring. Hummingbirds and cardinals. Sinatra, Streisand and Mantovani. Elmo. Fresh strawberries. Honey cornbread. Serving three desserts. Asking everyone she met 20 questions. Playing cards and sipping Seagram’s Escapes Bahama Mamas. Being “GB” and “Mommy 100s.” Being “Grandma” to every animal her children adopted. Watching football, golf (especially The Masters Tournament, with all its azaleas), General Hospital, The Amazing Race, The African Queen... and that darn parrot on YouTube. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert L. Kelly, whom she met in a bowling league at Ramstein AFB. She is survived by her sons, John. E. Kelly and James E. Kelly; daughter, Jane Irene Kelly, and son-in-law, Andrew N. J. Neilly; step- grandchildren, Cella M. Neilly and Callum S. Neilly; brother, Frank Lackovic, and sister, Marianne Stump. It is her children’s belief that Barbara now walks the beach in eternity, hand in hand, with Major HEB. Those who wish to honor Barbara’s memory are invited to make a donation to Shriners Children’s, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or the National Audubon Society.

Barbara A. Kelly

December 14, 1943 - April 15, 2025