Obituary of Sr. Katharine M. Kelly, RSM

Kelly RSM, Sister Katharine M., (formerly Sister Mary Joannes) died in St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Tuesday, March 26, 2019.  She had been a Sister of Mercy for 81 years.  Born in Rensselaer, New York, she was the daughter of the late George J. Kelly and Jessica McTammaney Kelly. 

Sister Katharine earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Rose, Albany, and a master’s from SUNY, Albany.  She ministered as a teacher at various schools in the Albany Diocese, including Vincentian, St. Teresa’s, and St. Joseph’s High School, Albany; St. Patrick’s, Watervliet; Catholic Central High School, Troy; Keveny Memorial Academy, Cohoes; and St. John’s Academy, Rensselaer.   Sister taught in elementary school for a time, but her area of expertise lay in teaching business subjects.  She set the bar high in preparing her students for secretarial positions. 

After “retiring” from teaching, Sister held the position of secretary to the leadership team of the Sisters of Mercy.  She went on to serve as secretary/receptionist in the Nursing Department at Maria College and at the Rensselaer Community Center, showcasing some of the skills she had ingrained in so many students over the years.  She was extremely efficient and always discreet.  Sister was especially beloved by the students in the Nursing Department at Maria who were comfortable confiding in her their struggles and their triumphs.  In her leisure moments, she enjoyed baking and delighted others by sharing not only her baked goods but her recipes as well.  A gentle woman, Sister Katharine had a special devotion to St. Therese, the Little Flower.      

In addition to her parents, Sister Katharine was predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth Carey.  She is survived by her sister, Mary Kelly Griggs, six nieces and nephews, as well as by her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy. 

Viewing hours will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Prayer Service of Remembrance in the Chapel at 7:00 p.m.  The Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 29, at the Convent of Mercy.  Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.  The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the staff of St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the great tenderness with which they cared for our Sister.  Contributions may be made in Sister Katharine’s memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208.