PETERBOROUGH — Phyllis Irene Kelley, 94, of Peterborough, died Aug. 15, 2010, at RiverMead Retirement Community.

She was born May 8, 1916, in Boston, the daughter of Irene Welsford and Nehemiah Baker Kelley Jr. She lived most of her life in Massachusetts, before moving to Peterborough in 1997.

Kelley graduated from Girls Latin School in Boston in 1934; earned her Bachelor of Science degree in romance languages and literature from Boston University in 1938; and received her Master of Science degree and teaching certificate in hygiene and physical education in 1942 from Wellesley College.

Over the course of her lifetime, Kelley held many educational and administrative jobs. She began her teaching career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she taught physical education. She then went on to teach the same subject at Skidmore College in New York.

Following her career in education, Miss Kelley worked for a number of years as the executive director of the Council for Greater Boston Camp Fire Girls, an organization that emphasizes outdoor activities and character building for youth. In her most recent occupation, Kelley worked for more than 20 years at Wellesley College as the associate director of financial aid.

Kelley was known in Peterborough for her love of volunteering and her membership at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Peterborough. In the later years of her life, she volunteered extensively at RiverMead and the food bank at All Saints’. She was known for her compassionate heart and her desire to help others in any way that she could.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Florence Kelley of Kaneohe, Hawaii, and her nephew, Kevin Kelley of Alexandria, Va. Kelley was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Kelley. She also leaves behind several dear friends who worked with her at Wellesley, including Lee Hanna and Lorraine Silvia, and numerous friends at RiverMead among both the staff and residents.

A memorial service was held in the Lady Chapel of All Saints’ Episcopal Church yesterday. Additionally, a graveside service will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery at 11 a.m. today. The Reverend Lewis Stone will officiate. Jellison Funeral Home of Peterborough is assisting with arrangements

Donations in Kelley’s memory may be made to the Monadnock Community Hospital or the Food Bank at All Saints’ Episcopal Church.