Mary Kelly

Mary (Spoto) Kelly, age 98, passed away peacefully early Christmas morning, December 25, 2020, at her home near Mount Vernon, Va. Mary was a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, the daughter of Antonino and Salvatrice Spoto. She graduated from Council Bluffs' Abraham Lincoln High School in 1940. Throughout WWII, she served as a government civilian in the Army's 7th Service Command. During the Cold War, she supported the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb., where she met her husband, Major Dennis P. Kelly, Jr. They were married in 1951 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Council Bluffs. Mary accompanied her husband on his assignments in Omaha, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, England, and Washington, D.C. The family settled in Mount Vernon in June of 1964. A founding member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Mary was actively involved with various church programs, including the Funeral Reception Committee, Prayers and Squares, and Altar Linen Ministry. Mary supported her children's schools, volunteering at Saint Mary's School and Bishop Ireton High School, where she assisted with the music department for 28 years, including as chaperone for numerous Wind Ensemble trips to Europe. She volunteered over 1000 hours at George Washington's Mount Vernon. She shared her artistic skills through quilting and needlework with Woodlawn Plantation's Nelly's Needlers, flower arranging with Riverside Estates Garden Club, and her many baking creations for various events. Most of all, Mary is remembered for her faith that guided her through life, and her humble example of generosity and kindness. Mary was preceded in death in 1974 by her husband of 22 years, Col. Dennis P. Kelly, Jr.; and three infant children, John, and twins Kevin and Catherine. Her surviving children are Dennis Kelly (Ruth), Ann Moore (Tom), Patty Kelly, Claire Kelly, and Phil Kelly (Joy), each of Alexandria, Va., Ed Kelly (Debbie) of Herndon, Va.; and daughter-in-law, Mary B. Kelly. She also leaves ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; as well as numerous extended family members. Visitation will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA, 22309 on Friday, January 15, from 9:45-11 a.m., followed immediately by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. (EST). COVID restrictions apply. A livestream link to the service will be available at www.gs-cc.org under "Watch Mass". Interment will take place on a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, or Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria, VA 22314.