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Sheila Kelley Hand (1944–2026) – Salem, NH
Sheila Kelley Hand of Salem, New Hampshire, passed away at age 82 at the Bedford Hills Center in Bedford, NH with her husband by her side. The eldest of four siblings, Sheila was born on January 3, 1944, to Edgar and Eleanor Kelley.
As a graduate of the Lawrence General Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1964, Sheila dedicated her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. She served her community in a variety of roles until her retirement in 2009. She remained closely connected with her nursing classmates and was deeply proud of her vocation.
Sheila shared fifty‑seven years of marriage with her beloved husband, Frank Ken Hand, Jr., a partnership defined by love and laughter. She is survived by siblings Brenda K. Burke (Thomas), Richard S. Kelley (Kathleen), and Paul Kelley; children Brian Hand and Eleanor Ashworth (Rhyan); her grandchildren Madison, Taylor, Michaela, and Olivia Hand as well as her great‑granddaughter, Lilian Sullivan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Eleanor Kelley, and her great‑granddaughter, Sophia Sullivan. Sheila will be remembered for her sense of humor, warmth and the lasting impact she made on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring, with details to be announced. Family and friends are invited to come together, share memories, and honor the life of a woman who will be profoundly missed and forever loved.
Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079 is entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com to sign the online guest book.
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