Darlene J. (Shays) Kelleher

Darlene J. (Shays) Kelleher, 56 of Oxford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at home after a long illness. Darlene leaves behind her five daughters and one son, Jamie Ellis and her husband Michael, Tina Beauchemin and her husband Shaun, Faith Dreyer, Tracey LeBlanc and her husband Keith, Alisse Franceschetti and her husband Michael and Neil J. Kelleher, Jr. She was a great grandmother "Narnie" to her fifteen grandchildren, Jordan King, Briana, Hanna, Mathieu, Ashley and Emily Ellis, Brianna, Leanza and Kyle Beauchemin, Victoria and Shelby Carrier, Reagan Leech, Emma and Ayden Franceschetti, Kassidy Kelleher, and a great granddaughter, Scarlett Mae King. She is also missed by her mother, Phyllis Lavallee, nine brothers, six sisters and countless nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her daughter, Nicole Dreyer. Darlene was born in Worcester, a daughter of the late Harry Shays. She attended Burncoat High School and has lived here most of her life. She was a person who gave the best advice, had such a huge heart and came to love everyone she knew. She was amazing in putting together floral arrangements for weddings and special occasions. Darlene enjoyed spending time with her family, watching her fish swim and Marilyn Monroe. Close family nicknamed her "Bones" and "Twiggy" due to her short stature and she wore them with great pride. To her they were terms of endearment from those she loved so deeply. Her family is truly blessed to have had her amazing smile and laughter. A period of visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Darlene Kelleher Memorial Fund, c/o http://www.gofundme.com/y5m22a2a.