Sister M. Thaddeus Kelly, IHM
Sister M. Thaddeus Kelly, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died on Monday, February 5, 1995 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on December 15, 1912 in Susquehanna, PA, and given the name Mary Eleanor. She was the daughter of the late Patrick and Nora Clancy Kelly. As a child, she walked the ground made holy by Mother Theresa Maxis and our founding IHM Sisters. The inspiration of her IHM forebears led her to enter the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1930, making her first profession of her vows on April 24, 1933, and final profession of her vows on August 1, 1936.
Sister Thaddeus served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Mary of the Mount Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA; St. Ephrem Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY; St. Ambrose Elementary School in Bridgeport, CT; St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA; and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Altoona, PA.
Sister served as a principal at the following schools: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School in Rocky Mount, NC; St. Patrick Elementary School in Oneida, NY; St. Rosalia Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA; St. Joseph Elementary School in Danville, PA; St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI; and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Elementary School in Forest Hills, NY.
In later years, Sister Thaddeus' kindness and compassion led her to ministry at St. Joseph's Center in Scranton, PA. She also served as a sacristan at the Marian Convent. During her final illness, she touched many with the persistence of her gentle spirit in the face of suffering until her passing.
She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies from Marywood College.
She is preceded in death by a brother, Eugene.
She is survived by a sister-in-law, Doris Kelly of Susquehanna, PA, a niece, Mary Pat Philhower, and nephews, Thomas, Reverend William and Ronald.
The funeral will be on Thursday, February 9 with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in the Marian Convent Chapel. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call on Wednesday afternoon or evening at the Marian Convent.
Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
