Obituary of Sr. Mauretia Kelly CSJ

Sister Mauretia Kelly, CSJ Sister Mauretia Kelly, CSJ, 91, died Friday, January 7, 2011, at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham, NY. Sister Mauretia had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 72 years. Sister Mauretia, the former Anne Theresa Kelly, was born in St. Joseph's, Pennsylvania, on November 15, 1919, daughter of the late James and Katherine Hannon Kelly. She graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Binghamton and entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph August 15, 1938, professing final vows on August 15, 1943. Sister Mauretia received a bachelor's degree in social studies and a master's degree in history, both from The College of Saint Rose. For 50 years, Sister Mauretia taught in elementary and secondary schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses, including 22 years in the social studies department at Catholic Central/Seton Catholic Central High School, Binghamton. Sister Mauretia was an excellent teacher of history, dedicated to motivating students to learn and to think like historians. She enjoyed the challenge of making her subject material memorable, meaningful and relevant. As she aged, Sister Mauretia's life was marked by a gentle spirit of gratitude and a delightful sense of humor. Graced with strength, intelligence and character, she enjoyed nothing better than a good visit with friends or an affectionate conversation with Spritz, her favorite cockatiel! Sister Mauretia leaves us a legacy of faith, endurance, hard work and an unwavering commitment to creating a better world. Sister Mauretia is survived by a niece, Betsy Gerner, of Vestal; a nephew, Louis Kelly, of Binghamton and their families; several cousins; her dear and faithful friend, Janet Derby, CSJ Associate; and her beloved Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Mauretia was predeceased by her sister, Catherine; her brothers: Paul, James and Gerald; her nieces, Mary and Mauretia; and many friends in the Sister of St. Joseph. Sister Mauretia's funeral Liturgy will be held on Tuesday, January 11, at 10:30 a.m. from the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Monday, January 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Mauretia's memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. For information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com