Mary Kelley

Mary Sozio Kelley, a lifelong resident of Revere, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 after bravely battling a recurrence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

Mary was born on May 20, 1929, to the late Luigi Sozio and Michelina Imperato Sozio. She was the loving sister of the late Chuck Sozio and his wife, Patricia Sozio of Wakefield, as well as the late Anthony Sozio of Revere. Mary is also survived by her sister, Irene Giuffrida of Lynnfield, along with the late Frank Giuffrida.

Known for her fiercely independent spirit, Mary cherished her relationships with her nieces—Tina (Giuffrida) Primavera and Gina Giuffrida, both of Lynnfield, and Lorraine Logan. Although Mary wished for children of her own, she loved her nieces like her own daughters and took great joy in being a part of their lives. She was a beloved great-aunt to Francesca Primavera Borthwick, Caterina Primavera, Gemma Primavera, Robert Noto, Evelyn Noto, Jack Logan, and Jesse Logan.

Mary was known for her unfiltered comments; she never held back her opinions and always spoke her mind. Her candidness and humor made her a cherished friend to many. Remarkably, Mary remained active up until the last two months of her life, exemplifying her vibrant spirit.

Mary was employed by Herb Connolly Auto Sales, where one of the salesmen taught her to drive, leading her to purchase her first car. She continued to drive until the end of her life. Mary was also one of the earliest switchboard operators trained by Bell Telephone, known as “Ma Bell.” Throughout her career at Index, she served as a switchboard operator and receptionist, earning the affectionate title of “The Voice of Index.” After retiring from Index in the early 1980s, she briefly worked at Sozio Appliance Headquarters, supporting her beloved brother Chuck.

Travel was a passion for Mary; she cherished trips to San Diego with her niece and enjoyed numerous cruises with friends whenever possible. Mary shared a special bond with her dearest friend Dody, who was a testament to a true friend throughout the years in good times and bad. They always had fun together, even amidst doctor appointments, and Dody was a constant source of security for Mary during her journey.

Her funeral service will be held at Paul Buonfiglio and Sons Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., Revere, on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral mass at Saint Anthony’s Church in Revere at 11 AM. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Mary’s legacy of love, friendship, and resilience, coupled with her spirited personality and unapologetic humor, will forever be remembered by all who knew her.