BANGOR – Sandra (Eslin) Kelly Bryant died peacefully Saturday, July 17, 2010, surrounded by her loving family, after a graceful struggle with cancer. She was born Aug. 5, 1935, in Bangor, the daughter of Gene and Merna Eslin. Upon graduating from Bangor High School, Sandra pursued her passion for dance. After outstanding dance training by her friend and inspiration for life, Polly L. Thomas, she accomplished her lifelong goal and became a member of The Rockettes dance company and performed at Radio City Music Hall, New York City. After returning to Bangor, Sandra raised her family, was a teacher for many years at Thomas School of Dance and received a degree from the University of Maine in 1976. As a second career, she was the owner and operator of The Gift Gallery in downtown Bangor. Sandra became involved in numerous community organizations, such as the board of directors of Thomas School of Dance, Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Bangor Community Theater, Junior League of Bangor and The Quipus. The symphony, YWCA, Discovery Museum and Upward Bound particularly appreciated her creative eye during fund raising events. She also designed the gift shop at St Joseph Hospital and managed the gift shop at Bangor Museum and History Center. Sandra is survived by her two sons, of whom she is very proud, Kevin Kelly of Bangor and Sean M. Kelly and his wife, Julie, of Houston, Texas, along with their two children, Austin and Megan, whom she cherished; a sister, Diana and brother-in-law, Charles Casey, of Bangor and Lincoln; a brother, Gene Eslin of Bangor; several nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Lynda Clyve and Anne Pooler. She was predeceased by her former husband, Austin Kelly; and nephew, Harry Casey. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, with the Rev. Canon Granville Henthorne, D.D., of St. Thomas Anglican Church, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends for refreshments and to celebrate her life immediately after the service at Brookings-Smith Family Reception Center, 163 Center St., Bangor. Those who wish to remember Sandra in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Susan G. Komen Maine Affiliate, P.O. Box 1626, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.Brookings-Smith.com.
SANDRA KELLY BRYANT
