Helen Marie Kelly

1925 - 2025

Helen Marie Kelly
October 17, 1925 - September 18, 2025
Helen Marie Kelly-liked by everyone, loved by most-passed away to the arms of her Savior on September 18, 2025. Just 4 weeks short of her 100th birthday, she suffered a stroke while recovering from Covid and passed peacefully with family present while worship hymns played her home.
She was born in Chicago, IL on October 17, 1925, and after graduating high school she was employed by the Treasury Department before meeting John E "Jack" Kelly. They were married on July 22, 1944, and moved to San Antonio, TX following his discharge from the Navy in 1946. Their only child, Jackie, was born in 1947 after which Helen returned to government employment at Kelly AFB in 1950, serving as a medical technician (18 years) and administrative assistant until 1973 when she and her husband retired.
Helen had a remarkable record in battling cancer. Undergoing major cancer surgery in 1972 and again in 1974, she defied the norm of that time surviving "to play golf" for 30 more years. Starting in 1975, she served as one of the original "Reach to Recovery" volunteers and trainers through the American Cancer Society, visiting and encouraging many hundreds of mastectomy patients in a time when women's health issues were not readily discussed.
Helen was also a very strong supporter of husband Jack's involvement with Freemasonry in Texas and served diligently as his administrative assistant up and through his appointment to Grand Master of Texas Masons in 1987. Very popular in her own right, she proved to be a valuable representative of Masonry as they traveled many times across the state and was awarded the WB & Brandon Carrell Humanitarian Award in 2011.
Helen was active in several organizations, including the "Classics and Life Timers" at Woodland Baptist Church, the San Antonio Quilt Guild, and The Conservation Society-making hundreds of flowers for Fiesta-to name just a few.
Helen loved to travel and after their retirement in 1973, she and Jack took various trips overseas. They saw the British Isles three times, playing golf in Ireland and Scotland. From Denmark all throughout Europe to Ephesus in Turkey and many of the Greek islands. Tours through the Hawaiian Islands (for golf, of course), then from Florida to Maine and from California to Myrtle Beach. And in 1995 when grandson Michael finished school in Cairo, Egypt, she joined Jack and Jackie in a tour through Egypt and Israel to celebrate.
Helen fancied herself a bit of a gourmet cook and after 39 years in their home on Crestview, they built a home in Churchill Estates-all for the purpose of getting a bigger kitchen with an island and a well-deserved walk-in closet all her own. It was during this time that she became enamored with quilting and the rest of her life was occupied with this craftwork.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents Vallee McCartney and Marie Bring, husband John E "Jack" Kelly, daughter Jacqueline M Mundahl, and son-in-law Wayne A Mundahl. She is survived by grandson Michael W Mundahl, granddaughter-in-law Judy L Mundahl, and multiple nieces and nephews.
It was Helen's desire to be cremated and her remains encrypted alongside husband Jack at Sunset Memorial Park in San Antonio, TX. In lieu of a service, it was her desire that family and friends celebrate her life amongst themselves. Donations can be made in Helen's memory to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.