Margaret Armitage Kelly's Obituary
Margaret Armitage Kelly passed peacefully into God's arms on June 26, 2026, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Born on September 8, 1935, in New York City, Margaret was the daughter of the late Ernest and Bessie Armitage. Her mother, Bessie, was a teacher, and her father, Ernest, was an accountant. Margaret treasured childhood memories of walking through Central Park and of a beloved neighbor, Ann Mace, who took her ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
On Thanksgiving Day in 1942, Margaret's life changed forever when her mother sent her alone by train to live with her two younger sisters and relatives on a farm in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Though she never saw her mother again, she found unwavering love and guidance from her beloved cousin Peggy, who became her de facto mother. Warmly nicknamed "Tootie," Margaret fondly recalled listening to The Shadow in the farmhouse parlor and sneaking away to play records on the family phonograph.
Margaret excelled both academically and athletically. She graduated as valedictorian of the Hatfield High School Class of 1954, served as class secretary, participated in numerous school activities, and was a member of the girls' field hockey team that captured the Pennsylvania State Championship.
After graduation, Margaret enjoyed her first taste of independence during a summer in Cape May, New Jersey, where she met the love of her life, David Edward Bunch. Dave was serving in the United States Coast Guard when they met at a USO dance. During their courtship, they often met "at the Eagle," beneath the famous eagle statue at Philadelphia's Wanamaker's department store, before sharing black-and-white cookies at 30th Street Station.
In the fall of 1954, Margaret enrolled at the Philadelphia General Hospital School of Nursing. She excelled in her studies, played basketball, and continued her romance with Dave. Graduating at the top of her class, she received the Philadelphia General Hospital School of Nursing Gold Medal from the Mayor of Philadelphia as the outstanding student in the Class of 1957. She was also honored as "Miss Student Nurse of Greater Philadelphia" and crowned "Queen of Hearts" at Philadelphia General Hospital.
Shortly before graduating from nursing school, Margaret and Dave were married on December 22, 1956, at Lansdale Methodist Church. They honeymooned in Atlantic City before celebrating New Year's Eve together in Times Square.
In 1957, the newlyweds moved to Florida where Dave attended the University of Miami to earn his accounting degree while Margaret worked as a registered nurse in Coral Gables. On August 28, 1960, they welcomed their only child, David Edward Bunch Jr., affectionately known as "Champ." After Dave received his degree, he began his career with the Internal Revenue Service. In 1965, the family moved to Philadelphia before settling in Arlington, Virginia, in 1967.
Margaret dedicated 30 years of service to Arlington Hospital, where she worked in the laboratory from 1966 until her retirement in 1996. She was admired for her intelligence, professionalism, compassion, and unwavering work ethic.
In 1974, Margaret and Dave purchased the historic Hotel Marvel at 21 Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. They thoughtfully transformed the first floor into seven retail shops, including the renowned Back Porch Café, while preserving the upper two floors as their cherished beach home. Originally built in the late 1880s, the residence still retains many of the historic architectural features that Margaret lovingly preserved throughout her life.
After 37 years of marriage, Margaret was devastated by the sudden loss of Dave on February 10, 1994.
On January 6, 1996, she married John Francis James Kelly. Together they made their home on John's Virginia farm, traveled extensively, and continued spending treasured time in Rehoboth Beach. As President of DAMAR & Son, Incorporated, Margaret also acquired two additional Rehoboth properties, adding to what she affectionately considered the "crown jewel" of her holdings on Rehoboth Avenue. John and Margaret shared 16 happy years of marriage before John's passing on April 20, 2012, in Rehoboth Beach.
Margaret then made Rehoboth Beach her permanent home, where she enjoyed traveling with friends from the Cape Henlopen Senior Center and the Lewes Senior Center. Her son also delighted in taking her on memorable trips to London, Hawaii, Alaska, New York City, and Philadelphia. She was a devoted member of Epworth Methodist Church, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ sustained her throughout her life and brought her peace as she entered God's eternal presence.
The final three years of Margaret's life were filled with extraordinary love and compassionate care through the devoted assistance of Liberty Sheehy and her wonderful family. Sharing the same birthday and birth year as Margaret's son, David, Liberty formed a uniquely special bond with Margaret, and together they became an extension of one another's families. Their kindness, companionship, and loving presence brought immeasurable comfort and joy to Margaret during her final years.
Margaret's life was marked by resilience, grace, intelligence, and quiet determination. From a childhood shaped by profound loss, she built a remarkable life defined by academic excellence, professional achievement, enduring love, entrepreneurial vision, and unwavering devotion to family and faith. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, steadfast faith, and the enduring legacy she leaves to all who knew and loved her.
Margaret is lovingly survived by her son, David Edward Bunch Jr (and husband Javier Mendoza), sisters – Flossie Haring and Nancy Harsh, many extended family members and friends!
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 12, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware. Family and friends may visit from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the service.
A privately-hosted Celebration of Life reception will follow in the Nassau Grove Clubhouse at 17153 Nouveau Avenue, Lewes, DE. The gate access code is 51039. Kindly RSVP for further details at [email protected]
Margaret rescued and loved many pets throughout her life! In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Human Animal Partners at https://www.humaneanimalpartners.org/give/give-now/
Please sign the tribute wall located at this website.
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?