Joan Mary Katherine Kelly

1931 - 2017

Kelly, Joan Mary Katherine Sister, aunt, friend and lover of life, Joan Mary Katherine Kelly entered into eternal life on October 24, 2017. A Milwaukee native, she was born to Emmet A. and Mary E. Kelly on July 27, 1931. Joan worked as a stenographer, secretary and administrative assistant for the Milwaukee Railroad for many years. She continued her career in the development office of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. A faith-filled and generous-hearted woman, Joan was a Third Order Secular Carmelite and had a loving devotion to St. Theresa, the Little Flower. She loved her friends, her Irish and Slovak heritage and travel. Her journeys took her to Europe dozens of times, the Holy Land, and often to Santa Barbara to share holidays and special events with her family. Joan was known for her great love of people and her interest in every person that crossed her path. Her friends were her joy, and among them she leaves behind Mary Haberman, Mary Peschel, Pat Ogden and Rita Knudsen. They were her devoted support team in her final months. Joan is survived by her sister Kathleen and brother-in-law Paul Strittmatter of Santa Barbara, California, niece Elizabeth, and nephew-in-law Chas Roberts and light of her life grand-nephew Willie Roberts. The family would like to give special thanks to Mary Haberman, whose devotion allowed Joan to remain in her home, and Rose Ann Kowitz, her diabetes coach and cherished friend. Joan's family is grateful to all her friends and caregivers who brought zest, inspiration and joy to her life. A Memorial Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated on December 1, 2017, at 10:30 AM at St. Margaret Mary Parish, 3970 N. 92nd Street, Milwaukee. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's memory to the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill, 1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, WI 53033.