Memorial

Mary Marietta Kelly, 91, of Cedar Rapids, was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband Mike and her daughter Laura on Friday, December 23, 2022, when her long struggle with Alzheimer’s ended at Mercy Hallmar. A visitation will be held at 9:00 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Thursday, December 29, 2022, with a Funeral Mass officiated by Father Doug Loecke to follow at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery following Mass. 

Mary was born to Paul Martin and Gertrude (Fisher) Martin, on May 18, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She received her RN degree from Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque in 1952. She retired from Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids in 1994 after many years in the trauma and surgery departments. She was united in marriage to Michael Kelly on February 5, 1955, and together they raised five children.

Mike and Mary weren’t just husband and wife, they were partners in life. After their children were grown, they enjoyed several cruises and traveling in the U.S. and Europe. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s robbed many of their “Golden Years”, but Mike never left her side.  

She is survived by her loving children, Tom (Lori) Kelly of Omaha, NE; Steve (Michele) Kelly of Cedar Rapids; Ann Koeppen of Marion; and Karen French of Cedar Rapids; fifteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; her siblings, Paula (Ron) Herold, Jim Martin, Bill Martin, Don Martin; and many extended family members. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Mike, daughter Laura Melick, and her sister Joan Martin. 

Mom always put others first, even during the depths of Alzheimer’s, when offered a piece of candy, she tried to get the person making the offer to take a piece first. Thanks for everything mom. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Hallmar for the love and care given to Mary, especially Deb, Paula, and Tammy who worked closely with Mary. 

Memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/iowa, or to Mercy Hallmar located at 701 10th St. SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403.