Obituaries

Madison

Mary Kathryn Kelly, 84, passed away on January 8, 2016. She was born on June 17, 1931 to Neil and Margaret Cafferty (Boyle). Growing up in Madison, Mary Kay attended Blessed Sacrament School and Church. She graduated with honors and as valedictorian from Edgewood High School in 1949. She graduated with a business-accounting major from the University of Wisconsin in 1953. Mary Kay was a Life Master bridge player and competed with her sister, Peggy Dean, in countless bridge tournaments. Mary Kay was a strong, proud Irish Catholic who instilled her faith and heritage into every member of her family.

Mary Kay met the love of her life, Ronald Kelly, at the Ice Cream Shop on Regent in 1949. They were married for 61 years. They raised 5 children and 16 grandchildren. She and Ron lived life to its fullest as dedicated parents and best friends. While mostly residing in Madison, they were transferred to various cities during Ron’s 35 years with Oscar Mayer. Together they traveled the country and the world, visiting Ireland, her mother’s homeland, multiple times. For many years, they hosted the annual Evans Scholar golf tournament at Maple Bluff CC and were an amazing team. Because of their deep roots in Madison, they cultivated many wonderful friendships and cherish the support of all of them.

Mary Kay was selfless in her love for her family. She talked to her children daily and knew the regular activities of all 16 grandkids. She created family traditions that will last a lifetime as the matriarch and heroine of the family. The family cherished her invaluable wisdom, kindness, and humor daily. Alzheimer’s disease shortened our time with her, but we are forever inspired by her strength to fight through it.

Mary kay is survived by her husband Ron; children, Dan (Terrie), Megan (Bill)Tyner, Tim (Connie), Patrick (Tiffany), Peggy (Roger) Gierhart; and 16 grandchildren, Sean, Maureen, Brendan, Kevin, Kelly, Kara, Mickinsey, Cassidy, Callahan, Fletcher, Madison, Megan, Mia, Reilly, Rory & Ryan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at St. Maria Goretti on 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, with Father Patrick Norris presiding. Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. until the time of mass. Inurnment at Resurrection Cemetery.

A special thank you to Artisan Assisted Living, Capitol Lakes Health Center and Agrace HospiceCare for their care and compassion.

Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of WI, Inc., 517 N. Segoe Rd, Suite 301, Madison, WI 53705. (608)232-3405, www.alzwisc.org or to The Evans Scholar Foundation, 1 Briar Road, Golf, IL, 60029.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.