Sister M. Anne Kelly, formerly Sister Dennis Maureen, died in Camilla Hall on December 30, 2022, in the 67th year of her religious life.
Nancy was born on August 3, 1937. Her dear parents Eanies and Winifred (Walsh) Kelly were born in Ireland, when they settled in Philadelphia, they raised their family of two girls and three boys in St. Columba Parish in Philadelphia.
Nancy attended St. Columba grade school (1943-1951), Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High (1951-1955). Later, while in Community, Sister earned her A.B. degree in Math from Immaculata College and an M.A. degree in Guidance, and Counselling Psychology from the University of Santa Clara.
Nancy entered the Community on September 8, 1955; she received her habit and her religious name, Sister Dennis Maureen, on March 8, 1956; she professed First Vows on August 15, 1957. In the mid-eighties each Sister had the opportunity to return to their baptismal name if she chose; Sister Dennis Maureen chose to return to Sister Nancy Kelly.
From the fall of 1957 through the school year ending in 1969, Sister Nancy taught children in grades 1, 3, 6, 7 in a variety of places. Sister served children and families in St. Thomas More, Arlington, VA; Holy Savior, Norristown; and St. Francis de Sales, Philadelphia. Sister also taught high school students at St. Hubert High School for two years (1967-1969).
In the fall of 1969 through the school year ending 1975, Sister served as Superior and Principal of St. Cyprian Convent/School, a wonderful learning experience of joyful service in Sunnyvale, California. From 8/75 through 8/79, Sister Nancy served in the dual role of Superior and Principal in Queen of Heaven Convent/School in Erlton, NJ; Sister continued in these ministries of service in St. Cecilia Convent and School from 8/79 through 8/81.
In the fall of 1981 through the school year ending 1991, Sister Anne served as Principal of Villa Maria Academy Lower School located on the grounds of our Motherhouse in Malvern. As in all things, Sister did a magnificent job and left her heart print on students, parents, faculty members, and fellow IHMs. From 8/91 through 8/96, Sister was Principal of St. Laurence School in Upper Darby, again, Sister’s heart print was reflected in all those to whom and with whom she ministered.
Sister lent her expertise as an Administrative Assistant in Holy Savior School for one year and in St. John Bosco in Hatboro for one year. For the next two years, Sister assisted in the Student Services Office in Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, while serving as Superior in the Convent.
In the fall of 2000 through the school year ending 2009, Sister Anne ministered in the Guidance Office in Villa Maria Academy Upper School in Malvern. Sister served students, faculty, and parents.
Sister Anne joined the Camilla Hall Community in August 2009 as a Pastoral Minister. Sister’s gentle manner, her prayerfulness, and her kindness touched our Sisters whom she served and all those in the Camilla Community. Sister served faithfully until declining health limited her ability. Sister Anne died in the company of our Sisters who remained by her bedside as she transitioned from life on earth to eternal life in heaven.
Sister Nancy is survived by her loving Congregation of IHM Sisters, her local community at Camilla Hall, her dear friends, and her dear brother Dennis and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Sister’s dear parents Eanies and Winifred (Walsh) Kelly, her brothers Joseph (Anne), Thomas (Claire), her sister, Sister Maureen Winifred IHM, and her sister-in-law Geraldine Egan (Dennis) predecease Sister.
Reverend John Joseph Novielli, O.Praem, was the main celebrant and homilist for Sister Anne Kelly’s Funeral Mass; Reverend John Burger SSC and Reverend Michael Callaghan, C.M. joined as a concelebrants. The Funeral Mass was concelebrated on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355