Obit: Kelley, Mary M. (1950 - 2013)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: DeLaurelle, Dravis, Genrich, Kelley, Lehnertz, Nikolay

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 08/28/2013

Kelley, Mary M. (Nikolay) (29 MAR 1950 - 28 AUG 2013)

Mary M. Kelley, 63, Hobart, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, at home.

She was born March 29, 1950, in Abbotsford, to Jack and Helen (Dravis) Nikolay.
In 1968, Mary graduated from Abbotsford High School where she met and fell in love with John Kelley. She graduated from UW-Stout in 1972. Mary later earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Silver Lake College. On June 23, 1973, she married John Kelley at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford.

Mary taught at St. Agnes School in Green Bay. She took a short break from teaching to start her family and raise her children. During this time, Mary hung wallpaper to earn extra money. She restarted her teaching career at Valley View Elementary School. Mary taught at Annie Jackson School for 20 years. During that time she made every student feel loved. Mary put exceptional effort into everything she did. She was the best gardener, teacher, wife, sister, daughter, friend and party planner, but most importantly she was the best “Nana”.

Mary was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and had also been a member of Service League. She had a passion for gardening and often spent an entire day in her flower garden.

Mary is survived by her husband, John Kelley; three children, Jessica (Dale) DeLaurelle, Green Bay, Sam (Cara) Kelley, Pulcifer, and Emily (Eric) Genrich, Green Bay; five grandchildren, Ashley, Kailey, Dominic, Henry, and Amelia; her mother, Helen Nikolay, Abbotsford; two sisters, Sharol (Bill) Lehnertz, Eden Prairie, MN; and Kitty Nikolay, La Crosse; two brothers, David (Nancy) Nikolay, and Paul (Karen) Nikolay, both from Abbotsford; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Nikolay; a brother, Jim Nikolay; and a sister, Kate Nikolay.

Visitation was held at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., Green Bay, on Monday, Sept. 2. Visitation continued on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Green Bay, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

A memorial fund has been established to benefit Holy Family School