San Juan Capistrano, CA - Georgia Sherwood Kelley lived a vibrant and multifaceted life, marked by her dedication to family, community, and diverse interests. Born on October 5, 1939, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Donald Sherwood Kelley and Valeria Kelley (nee Lewandowski), she grew up attending Hubbard School and Plainfield High School, where she cultivated a lifelong passion for horseback riding, swimming, and diving. She pursued a Biology degree at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York.
After college, Georgia married and settled in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she raised her three children-Robin, Stephen, and Wendy-later moving to Brookfield, Connecticut. In Ridgefield, she was deeply involved in the community, serving in the PTA, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school at the First Congregational Church. A woman of many talents, Georgia pursued varied career paths to support her family and fuel her curiosity. She worked as a substitute teacher in Ridgefield schools, a bank teller at Village Bank and Trust, and held roles in production at National Can and Kimberly Clark. She also ventured into commodities trading and later became a paralegal. Her creative side shone through her participation in the Charles Pope Choristers, performing in local Broadway musical productions, and ringing bells in the bell choir.
In 1986, Georgia relocated to San Juan Capistrano, California, where she remarried and briefly worked as a mortgage broker before purchasing Mollies Famous Cafe. For over 30 years, she owned and operated the cafe, becoming a beloved figure in the community. She was an active member of the Fiesta Association, hosting events and riding her horse in the annual Swallows Day Parade. Her contributions to the local business community earned her widespread respect until she sold the restaurant in 2022.
Georgia's love for horses remained a constant, as she owned several Peruvian Paso Finos, competed in equestrian events, and rode in the prestigious Rose Bowl Parade. She was an avid traveler, enjoying cruises to various global destinations and frequent trips to Cabo San Lucas with her longtime companion, Wilbur (Lucky) Walch. Annual family vacations with her children were a cherished priority, strengthening their bonds through shared adventures. Known affectionately as "beach grandma," she cherished time with her family.
Georgia is survived by her brother, Sherwood, of Dana Point, California; her three children, Robin (Betsy) Ryland of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Stephen (Vivian) Ryland of Lake Worth Beach, Florida, and Wendy (Michael) Maron of Solana Beach, California; and five grandchildren: Brian, Kevin, Mitchell, Jack, and James. Her legacy endures through the deep connections she forged in Ridgefield, Brookfield, and San Juan Capistrano, and the love she shared with her family and community. She will be missed.
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San Juan Capistrano, CA - Georgia Sherwood Kelley lived a vibrant and multifaceted life, marked by her dedication to family, community, and diverse interests. Born on October 5, 1939, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Donald Sherwood Kelley and Valeria Kelley (nee Lewandowski), she grew up attending Hubbard School and Plainfield High School, where s
Published on July 4, 2025 in The Capistrano Dispatch
In Memory of Georgia Sherwood Kelley