Sarah Scott McCormick Kelty Of Atlantic Highlands Dies At 44

Courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home:

Sarah Scott McCormick Kelty, 44 of Atlantic Highlands passed away peacefully on Nov. 22 at Jersey Shore University Hospital following complications from a seizure.

Scotty is survived by her devoted husband, Christopher Kelty, her children, Mary Claire, Patrick and Brian; her father and his wife, James D. and Robyn McCormick; her mother and her husband, Theodora and Gregory Clifford; three sisters, one brother and four brothers-in-law: Theodora and Scott McGavin, Courtney and Jamie Winters, Riley and Rafael Ruiz, and James H. McCormick and Seth Flaxman; and three step-sisters: Christina and Jillian DiPhillips and Samantha Clifford. Also surviving are many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, a wealth of friends, and her dog, Marsha.

Scotty was born in Washington, D.C. and was raised in Fair Haven and spent most of her adult life in Atlantic Highlands. She was a voracious reader and passionate advocate for progressive causes. She earned a B.A. from Jersey City University, and worked in fundraising for non-profit institutions before returning to school to complete a degree in nursing.

While tackling subjects such as algebra and organic chemistry with determination, she continued to work full time and raise her children. Scotty enjoyed spending time at Seabright Beach Club with her family and friends and taking walks with her children and Marsha in Hartshorne Woods and on Sandy Hook. Mary Claire, Patrick and Brian were the light of her life and her source of joy and happiness.

Scotty cared deeply for those in her life. She was a loving mother, a loyal friend and a compassionate and caring nurse, but above all, she was funny. She had a wicked sense of humor, a sharp wit and was a master in the art of the practical joke. This skill was practiced primarily on her husband and her mother, each of whom took her schemes in stride, knowing they were carried out with love.

For those who want to join the family in sharing their happy and humorous memories of Scotty, a memorial gathering will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank on Friday, November 27. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Saint Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kelty Family Trust, c/o Anne Marie Robbins, Esq., 160 White Road, Suite 204, Little Silver, NJ 07739.