 Sister Mary Ivan Kelly, a beloved member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut Hill for 78 years, died at Saint Joseph Villa, Flourtown, Pennsylvania on July 28, 2011.
Catherine Kelly, the second of ten children born to Matthew and Delia Kelly grew up in St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Germantown, where she attended school. A great influence on her life was Sister Grace Madeleine who taught Catherine in both sixth and eighth grades. After graduating from Hallahan High School where she participated in the Choral Group, Catherine entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1933.
Sister Mary Ivan is remembered as a person filled with deep peace and a loving spirit. She enjoyed her community life, praying and celebrating with her sisters. She was quick to affirm others and was interested in the lives and ministries of the sisters with whom she lived. Mary was known to be attentive to the needs of others. When a sister was delayed in coming home from ministry, it was not uncommon for Mary to begin the meal preparation so that the sister would not have to rush when she got home. Mary also enjoyed her family throughout the years, and was happy to be invited to activities with them. She was proud of her brothers and sisters and her close extended family.
Sister Mary Ivan was an educator in the archdiocese of Philadelphia and in the dioceses of Allentown, Camden and Harrisburg. She served as a principal, and in later years she tutored children and helped with “odd jobs.” It was a great joy for her because she got to meet all the children. She was a “wisdom figure” for many at the school and was beloved by teachers, parents, and children.
In reflecting on Mary’s life, Sister Anne Myers recounted words from an interview with Sister Mary Ivan several years ago: “For a long time in my life I prayed to be faithful. Somewhere along the line it dawned on me that God is the faithful one.” Sister Anne concluded, “And so Sister Mary Ivan, we thank you for sharing your life and love with us. You were truly a woman of faith, love and wisdom, a woman of God. . . May you enjoy the presence of the Faithful One, the God of your heart, for all eternity.”
Our dear Sister goes to God with hands and heart full, overflowing with a love that defines her years as a Sister of Saint Joseph. |
