Sr. Marie Kelly
Born In: Glace Bay
Passed on: January 13th, 2013
Sister Marie Kelly, 73, formerly Sister Blaise Marie, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at St. Martha’s Hospital on Jan. 13, 2013. She was in the 47th year of her religious life.
Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, N.S., she was the daughter of the late Neil James and Mary Joyce (Sudworth) Kelly.
Sr. Marie entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha in September 1963, pronounced her first vows in August, 1966, and made her perpetual commitment in 1971.
Before entering the Congregation Sr. Marie trained at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Glace Bay, N.S., to become a registered X-ray technician. For 10 years following profession, Sister served in the Diagnostic Imaging Departments of St. Rita Hospital, Sydney, and New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, New Waterford.
Other ministries Sr. Marie was involved in were: librarian at St. Martha’s Hospital Nursing School Library, Antigonish; Apostolate Director, CSM General Administration; and Director of Bethany Infirmary.
In 1990, Sr. Marie became a graduate of Health Administration from the Canadian School of Management, Toronto, Ont. For five years she was the chief executive officer at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital. This ministry was followed by eight years as VP and director of Diagnostic and Support Services with the Cape Breton District Health Authority, Sydney. In 2005, Sister became administrative leader at Bethany. She was active in this position until her death.
After her return to Antigonish, Sr. Marie continued to be involved with various groups in Cape Breton — the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital Foundation, the New Waterford Consolidated Ladies Auxiliary and the Rotary Club of New Waterford.
Sr. Marie was from a family of eight. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Vina and Elizabeth MacInnis, and by her brother, James.
She is survived by sisters, Elvina Noseworthy, Joan Graham and Pat, and brother, Gerald.
The remains will be resting at Bethany, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 1:15 p.m. A Celebration of Vigil will be held on the same evening at 7:30 p.m. Liturgy of Christian burial will take place Thursday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m., Bethany Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Services, Antigonish.
Online condloences www.clcurry.com.
