Kathleen Kelahan

1937 - 2021

Kathleen Kelahan
Madison, NJ - Kathleen McLean Kelahan, 84, of Madison, NJ, and formerly of Coopersburg, PA, passed away October 2, 2021. She was the widow of Thomas A. Kelahan. Born in Edwardsville, IL, she was a daughter of the late Donald W. and Dorene Anna Ella (Braundmeier) McLean. Kathleen was a graduate of Edwardsville High School and Quincy College, both at which she was chosen as Homecoming Queen. She was a teacher and the Performing Arts Instructor at Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, NJ. Later, she was the Director of Sales & Development for the Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, NJ. She closed her career as a professional fundraiser for KidsPeace in Allentown, PA, as well as teaching a G.E.D. program.
Prior to becoming ill, Kathleen was an active member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church, where she also served as the organist for many years. Prior to that, she was an organist and choir director for several Catholic parishes in New Jersey. She loved music, playing and teaching the piano, gardening, walking and embroidery. She was always involved in her community wherever she lived and was well loved by many. Kathleen was most happy spending time with her family.
Surviving are children: Joseph Kelahan, and his wife Deborah, of Hellertown, PA, Paul Kelahan, and his wife Jeannie, of Matawan, NJ, Clare Mutone and her husband, Rob, of Madison, NJ, Edward Kelahan, of Old Bridge, NJ, and Benjamin Kelahan, and his wife, Keri, of Brambleton, VA; grandchildren: Cristina, Brianne, Matthew, Gillian, Lydia, Gavin, Isabella, Kaley, Caroline, Vivian, Garret, Daniel, and Samuel; a great-granddaughter, Mya; daughter-in-laws: Elisa Passucci & Karen Salicrup; a sister, Alice Rezabek, of Edwardsville, IL; and numerous nieces & nephews. She was pre-deceased by siblings: Donald & Michael McLean, and Mary Patricia Hetzel.
A viewing will be from 5-8PM on Wednesday at the Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1418 Main Street, Hellertown, PA 18055. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday at the Assumption BVM Church, 4101 Old Bethlehem Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Interment will follow at a future date at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Edwardsville Community Foundation (E.C.F.) Dirty Dozen Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 102, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Please make checks payable to the ECF Dirty Dozen Scholarship Fund". Please put Kathleen Kelahan in the memo. OR, you may make contributions to the church. To offer on-line condolences, please visit her "Book of Memories" at falkfuneralhomes.com.