AnnKELLYof Wells, died on 26th June, 2026 at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.
Ann was born on 11 September 1936 and was educated at St. Anthony's Convent, Clevedon, Somerset.
She was predeceased by her parents, Enid L. Plumley (née Shaw) and Philip F. Plumley of Wells,
and by her brothers, Damian and Kevin M. Plumley.
She is survived by her sister, Judith M. Ashley; TerryAnn Barnett, who shared many years with
Ann's late brother, Damian; her nephews and nieces, Sándor E. Kovács, Anna M. Kovács and her
husband, Gary Alstrand; David J. Kovács and Susan (née Kubiak); D. Xavier Plumley and
Fiona (née Hearn); Yolanda Plumley and Wm. 'Bill' Barnes; D. 'Phil' Plumley and Lucie (née Hanslova);
Mauricio Plumley and Lidia (née Kleshchenko); and Barbara Fabiani-Bohm and José. Xavier and
Yolanda are the children of Maria Rosa Picart de Francis, formerly Maria Rosa Plumley. Phil,
Mauricio Plumley and Barbara Fabiani-Bohm are the children of the late Ximena Plumley Bohm.
Ann is also survived by her great-nephews and great-nieces, Jordan R. Hurd; Luke and Louis Plumley;
Amelia, Madeleine and Josef Kovács; Phoenix Kovács; Emilie, Benjamin, Adrien and Sophia Plumley;
and Raphael Plumley.
During the latter years of Ann's life, her immediate family lived outside the United Kingdom,
and those who survive her continue to do so.
Ann began her career in the mid-1950s as Executive Secretary to the Managing Director of
Engineering Productions in Clevedon, Somerset. She later enjoyed a successful career in British
television in Bristol, where she worked behind the scenes in television production. She was a
trusted member of the production team, assisting a producer and preparing presenters, actors,
musicians and guests for their appearances on screen. Her work brought her into contact with
many familiar television personalities, and she enjoyed sharing stories from those years.
In 1975, during her honeymoon with her husband, Ned Kelly, Ann joined the historic British
Everest Southwest Face Expedition led by Sir Chris Bonington.
Ann travelled to Nepal with the expedition and she reached Everest Base Camp at 18,000 feet,
sharing in one of the most significant mountaineering expeditions of the twentieth century.
On 24 September 1975, the expedition achieved the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by its
formidable Southwest Face, when Doug Scott and Dougal Haston reached the summit.
The achievement was recognised throughout the world as one of the greatest accomplishments in
Himalayan mountaineering.
Following the expedition's return to Britain, all members of the expedition were presented to
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at
Buckingham Palace on 21 October 1975 in recognition of the expedition's historic success.
The Everest expedition, together with the recognition it received, was one of the defining
experiences of Ann's life and a time she remembered with fondness.
The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of
Musgrove Park Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care during Ann's final days.
Her cremation will take place at Haycombe Crematorium.
Those who wish to make a donation in Ann's memory are invited to support Somerset Care -
Ann knew the value of their services.
Ann will be remembered with love by her family, each in their own way, and with their own
memories.
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