Barbara Kelly Hood

Barbara Ann Kelly Hood, 78 of Mt. Airy, passed away peacefully on January 6 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Born July 28, 1946, in Bladensburg MD, she was the daughter of the late George M. and Rosanna M. Kelly of Mt. Airy MD.

A graduate of St. John’s Prospect Hall Class of 1964, Barbara began her professional career with the C&P Telephone company; beginning as a communications hardware technician, rising to the rank of senior management. In 1983, Barbara began her role as Business Manager for
Official Company Services, for Bell Atlantic, a position she held for 25 years.

Afforded the opportunity for early retirement, Barbara was able to embrace her new role as “Grammy”, to four grandchildren, showering them with love, laughter and joy. Always the first with a supportive word of encouragement, Barbara relished being “Grammy”, and everything that comes along with it; from the fresh baked cookies to the bacon and egg sandwiches, no one left “Grammy’s” without having at least one bite.

The love Barbara had for her grandchildren and family extended to the love she had for animals. As a frequent host to natures less nurtured, Barbara loved caring for animals of all kinds, especially Oscar the dog, her most endearing companion, her kittens, cats and birds, as well as
her raccoon and possum friends, that would frequent her house when the cookies were ready.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded to the Lord by brothers Tim, Mike, Pat, Christopher and Nephew Chris. She is survived by daughter Holly Hood Fry Rutledge (Kevin) of Mt. Airy, MD, grandchildren Zach Fry (Maddie) of Odenton, MD, Jordan Haaf (Conner) of Urbana, MD, Hannah Fry of Sykesville, MD, JC Fry of Mt. Airy, MD, greatgrandchildren Jane and Ruth Fry. Sisters Georgia Staley (Bob) Frederick, MD, Jane Duggan (Brad) Hagerstown, MD and special friend Robin Pierce.

There will be a Receiving of Friends, Sunday, January 12, 2025, 12 noon until 2 pm at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E Church St. Frederick, MD.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Darby's Place Cat Rescue, Mt. Airy, MD.