Mariann Williams Kelly, born in Chicago on December 23, 1920, passed away peacefully at home in East Norwalk, CT on October 22, 2020, at the age of 99.
She was proud of her deep roots in Chicago and cherished her seventy summers on Medicine Lake, Father Williams Road, in Three Lakes, Wisconsin.
Blessed with a curious mind, Mariann always had a book or two going and started each day with a cup of coffee and The New York Times. She was always up for an adventure with family and friends and yet when asked the secret to her long and healthy life, her favorite reply was "naps and vacations".
Mariann and the late Michael Joseph Kelly, also of Chicago, met at DePaul University. They were married on June 5th, 1943 while Mike was stationed as a naval aviator at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn. Mariann always relished the special nature of their wartime wedding at Our Lady's Chapel, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Manhattan. After the ceremony, performed by her brother Francis T. Williams CSV, the wedding party and their guests walked to the Waldorf Astoria for a bridal brunch.
She is the loving mother of Mary Pat (Martin Sheerin), Roseann (Ernie Strapazon), Margaret (William Murray), Susan (Edward Panian), Nancy (Bruce Jarchow), and Michael (Martha Hall Kelly). Devoted grandmother of Edward (Jen), Maggie (Jon), Homer (Katie), Kerry (Wiley), Michael (Youngjee), Luke (Kara), Charlie, Katherine, Patrick, Bertram, Mary (Chase), Michael IV, and joyful great-grandmother of Aidan, Eddie, Jack, Charlie, Evelyn, Billy, Luke, Clare, Cash and one on the way.
Mariann loved and was loved by her many nieces, nephews, and godchildren, and their families. She enjoyed an amazing group of friends whose children and grandchildren stayed uniquely close to her.
Honored to be born the year women won the right to vote, she remained an ardent champion of women's rights her whole life.
In lieu of flowers...VOTE.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
What a beautiful and special lady! All who knew her were blessed. She is irreplaceable and spread joy to family and friends!
Gloria Oliver
Friend
October 19, 2022
To a wonderful and special lady who inspired many-Rest in Peace! She is in heaven with our Lord and she is praying for all who love her!
GLORIA OLIVER
October 19, 2021
I had few opportunities over the years to spend time with the gracious and elegant and forever young Mariann, but each was a treasure. It became easy to see how her spirit bred the creativity and commitment to working for what one believes had taken root in the spirits of her children. And so, many generations beyond her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren will be the better for her having been among us through wars to peace. She epitomizes the belief in the words of the Mass that promise that for women of faith like the Kelly's Grand Dame, life is changed but not taken away. As I recognize the sorrow of those who lost her presence in their daily lives I urge them to stay alert to all the ways she will be there for them. Her dreams will live on in each of you.
Annette Sara Cunningham
New York City
Annette Sara Cunningham
Friend
November 22, 2020
I did not know Marianne personally but I’ve heard many wonderful things about her through her lovely daughter Mary Pat. I wish I had known this special lady who was a treasure and blessing to the world!
GLORIA OLIVER
Acquaintance
November 2, 2020
Sending warm and loving condolences to the family. Although I did not know her I see her legacy of curiosity and joy and dedication to family in Mickey.
Dale Atkins
Friend
November 1, 2020
Mariann raised a remarkable family and made one feel a part of that. I was lucky to know her.
Margaret Murphy
Friend
October 31, 2020
It feels like the end of an era now. Aunt Mare was always so vibrant and full of life,it seemed she’d go on forever. She was a wonderful woman and she had
children, who were talented and kind.
We will all miss her.
Mary Ann Wilson
Family
October 30, 2020
A life well lived, by a wonderful woman.
MP and Martin~ Sorry for your loss!
Linda
Friend
October 28, 2020
Such a long and joyful life! Thinking of her family with much love. ❤Dee and Marshall
Dee Ito/Marshall Arisman
Friend
October 26, 2020
Offering my condolences Mary Pat and the rest of the Kelly family. God Bless you Mariann. Even though I never met Mariann, I did work with her daughter Mary Pat in a film many years ago and I know that Mary Pat love and caring for me and the rest of the cast was a result of
Mariann's and her husband's loving and nurturing spirits.
God Bless the Kelly family and R.I.P. Mariann
Ron Mangum
Acquaintance
October 26, 2020
My condolences to the large, loving family of Mariann, particularly to Nancy, Bruce and Bert. I met Marianne only once, but she was quite literate, fascinating and fun. Small wonder that Nancy became a successful, comedic performer. I am happy to know that Marianne lived a long life surrounded by her village of a family. Rest In Peace, Marianne.
Mary M. Gross
Friend
October 25, 2020
If this is a repeat, I bet the first was better. Love to all the Kellys. Such great memories of the neighborhood Irish Friday night poker. Last saw your Mom in Eagle River library with Mary Pat, and before that at Joe McCabe’s.
JOANIE MCINTYRE BINDER
Friend
October 25, 2020
I always remember Mrs. Kelly as glamorous. The first Mom to buy a Dr. Casey shirt. I am Nancy’s age. The Kelly’s were part of my early childhood. I am Pat and Joan McIntyre’s daughter. Oh the memories that need not be published. Last time I saw the lovely Mrs. Kelly was in the Eagle River library. Mary Pat was doing a pitch for a great book. I speak for the memories that have brought joy to the Kellys, McIntyres, Banners, Doody, Leahy, Brennan... too many Irish to mention. We loved it when Friday night poker often left “ a mapper” in the back room. God love the Irish wives of Sauganash. They did well. Thanks Mrs. Kelly for you. Joanie McIntyre Binder
JOANIE McINTYRE BINDER
Friend
October 25, 2020
What a wonderful Lady. Sincere sympathies to Marypat, Marty and the extended Kelly Family. All our love Kevin, Sheila and Family,
Drumshanbo.
Co Leitrim.
Kevin Mc Manus
October 25, 2020
Christina Murray
October 24, 2020
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