My Dad's mom, Margaret Josephine Kelly, was a firm Catholic, dedicating herself to the Church. She moved into an apartment across the street from St. Benedict's and was generous in both time and money to the parish and the priests residing there. In 1993, as Father Steve lived out his last days, my Granny brought him into her home and nursed him.
She was an amazing lady, working at the Jewish Home for the Aged for decades. She only "retired" at age 86, fully committing her working hours to the parish.
She was a magnificent seamstress. She created my sister Dee's wedding dress and many of her own outfits, as well as many of the drapes that adorned the church altar.
On December 2, 2001, my Granny died of a stroke. She collapsed in her home on Thursday night and died by midday Sunday, without ever regaining consciousness. Her funeral mass saw all of the priests she served over her lifetime, on an altar together, praising her- monsignors, arch-bishops alike.
Granny raised one son and two daughters. Her son Micheal, born just after my dad, died in infancy. She had nine grandchildren and so far, over 20 grandchildren,a number that will continue to grow.
I remember her today with love.
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