REMEMBRANCE: Marie Kelly, Naas, County Kildare

Marie Kelly (nee Parsons), of Pacelli Road, Naas, who died recently, is fondly remembered by family and friends.

Mary, known as Marie to everyone, grew up in Newtown, Donore, Caragh, a place she kept close to her heart. Her life was full of fun, laughter and music due to her parents and grandparents, who loved to sing, dance and play music.

She married John in 1962 and moved to Naas to start their lives together. Along came children Mary, John, Martin and Majella.

Life was a busy place as the family settled in Pacelli Road, a neighbourhood that she described as one of the best places to grow up with our friends and families.

They lived beside Mary and Paddy Cassidy and remained lifelong friends.

She became a trojan community worker which she got from her own mother, given time to many different organisations within the town. Her skills at cooking, knitting, dress making and other sewing tasks meant that no kid on the road would suffer fashion disasters. She knitted for newborns, teenagers and some of her Aran jumpers travelled to all parts of the world.

In the seventies she joined the Care of the Aged Centre where she spent over 50 years as a member of the committee and several other positions. Caring for the elderly, washing, cleaning, organising outings and shows, teaching arts and crafts to all that attended the centre. Later she helped organise and run the meals on wheels and John delivered the meals to people hail, rain or snow.

Marie had a job in St Marys Convent secondary school where she ran the canteen providing sandwiches, soup and tea at lunchtime under the management of Sister Martha. She would often give a handout to some girls who had no money to pay for their food. The canteen was also the first aid post where she looked after many an injured PE student.

She also joined the Nas na Ríogh figure dancing class where she helped to train many young girls and lads to perform at feiseanna, displays and competitions. Many years later she would set up her own set dancing class which travelled to many parts of the world promoting Irish dance.

Marie became part of the Naas twinning committee which she helped to bring Irish dancing, music and Irish culture to France, Italy, Germany and Nebraska, USA.

She encouraged her family to join different clubs and organisations and she became a full member of the Order of Malta, helping with fundraising and she was a volunteer with the Order of Malta or travelling as a member of the parish group.

Later she would join the Acorn Club, Naas Knitting club, and still have time to organise outings for the parish people to various venues.

She had a keen interest in music and latterly loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren,

Her family have expressed gratitude to the medical personnel who cared for her and to Willie, Von and Maureen.

Her funeral took place on April 26 to St Corban’s Cemetery, Naas, following requiem mass at the Church of Our Lady and St. David.

Marie was predeceased by John and is survived by children Mary, John, Martin and Majella; grandchildren Ciara, Tara, Melissa, Michael, Sean, Cian, Meghan and Leanne; great-grandchildren Ava, Lana, Rhia, Ollie, Ella, Morrígan, Maisie, Florrie, Ronan; daughters-in-law Michelle and Emma, son-in-law PJ, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.