Anita Palermo Kelly
Anita Palermo Kelly | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 192nd district | |
| In office January 7, 1969 – November 30, 1978 | |
| Preceded by | District Created |
| Succeeded by | Nick Pucciarelli |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the Philadelphia County district | |
| In office 1965–1968 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 27, 1913 Ozone Park, Queens, New York |
| Died | August 15, 1990 (aged 77) Wynnewood, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | William J. Kelly |
Anita Palermo Kelly (July 27, 1913 – August 15, 1990) was a former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from Philadelphia County. She became known for her advocacy work on behalf of people with disabilities and health concerns, as well as senior citizens.
Self-described as "Mother Hubbard" during her legislative years, she was praised by former colleagues, at the time of her death, as "a motherly figure" and "everybody's mom." According to Bob Brady, former U.S. Congressman and chair of Philadelphia's Democratic Party:
"She was as warm as could be. Everything was personal with her. Every constituent who had a problem, she would have him come down and sit in her kitchen. All you had to do is knock on her door, and she'd let you in."