Sister Mary Kelly, OSF

Born: July 27, 1932
Entrance: September 12, 1951
Professed: June 13, 1954
Died: December 5, 2025

Our fellow Sister in the U.S. Canonical House, Sister Mary Kelly, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, was called home to the Lord, our God.

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

(Matthew 13:43)

Similar to turning a page in a book, the earthly life of Sister Mary Kelly gently changed as God turned the page, and her eternal life began – the life she had waited for 93 years – on December 5 at 7:30 a.m. with Sister Josephine Vanitha, Lori Wright, and Rylie Ackman by her side. As she prepared for her passing in the previous days, Sister Mary was lovingly cared for by the Loretto Home employees. She was often visited by Sisters and employees who expressed their love and appreciation.

Sister Mary, the former Sister Masseo and the daughter of Clarence and Mary Rose (Ferrari) Kelly, was born in Kincaid, IL, on July 27, 1932, and was raised in Nokomis, IL. Following her 8th-grade school trip to the Motherhouse, she began to sense God’s calling to consider religious life and nursing, which deepened throughout high school. Upon enrolling in St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1949, she witnessed the spirit and example of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, and on January 1, 1951, at 3:45 p.m., before beginning her evening shift, in the chapel of St. John’s Hospital, she accepted God’s invitation. Four months later, she shared the decision with her mother, and on August 19, 1951, she wrote, “Happy Birthday, Dad…I’m entering the Convent.” She entered the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis on September 12, 1951, and professed her first vows on June 13, 1954.

With Italian culture from her mother and Irish culture from her father, Sister Mary blended these cultures with kindness, empathy, a sense of humor, and a peaceful spirituality in her relationship with God. It might be said that the warmth of her spirit was enriched by her favorite pastime of spending time in the sun, often expressed because she was half Italian. Leadership abilities were enhanced through her trademark serene voice, which she often shared in Community prayer. Love was what motivated her – especially for her family, friends, and her Sisters.

Sister Mary was a 1955 graduate of St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marquette University in 1958 and a master’s degree in nursing service administration from The Catholic University of America in 1965. Her life of service included nursing leadership at HSHS hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin, nursing education at Marillac College, Provincial Vicaress, and Motherhouse Superior of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, the HSHS board of directors, and HSHS receptionist.

May she rest in peace in the warmth of Brother Sun.