Mary Ann Kelly

Mary Ann's funeral service will be livestreamed with the link provided: https://player.vimeo.com/video/1088140397

Mary Ann Kelly passed away on May 21, 2025, in Clive, Iowa. Born in DeWitt, Iowa, she graduated from Monmouth High School in Illinois before pursuing a nursing degree at Marycrest College (St. Ambrose) in Davenport, Iowa.

During her senior year of college, Mary finally said "yes" to Don Kelly, who had diligently pursued her, convincing her to marry him—on the condition that he never tell their future children about his pre-college wild bachelor days in Cedar Rapids. In 1956, Mary married the love of her life, and together they built a home in Cedar Rapids and later Des Moines. Raising six children was both her greatest joy and her biggest challenge, but she poured her heart into supporting each of them and their ambitions. No matter how busy life got, Mary or Don always found a way to be there for every milestone, special events, musical performances and sporting contests.

Mary’s devotion to her family and faith was the cornerstone of her life, but she also had a fulfilling career as a nurse before retiring from Principal Financial in Des Moines. She and Don were active longtime members of Holy Trinity Parish. Even with children and a career she found time to volunteer with the Altar Society, Ecumenical Council, Hospice, and Living History Farms.

In retirement, Don and Mary finally traded the pop-up camper for new adventures, traveling the country and beyond. They were especially proud of their “winter Texan” status at The Dunes in Port Aransas, where they joined fellow Midwesterners in escaping the cold. But above all, their greatest joy in retirement was spending time with their grandchildren, witnessing their successes, and continuing their lifelong tradition of never missing a special moment.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald; her parents, Francis and Mary Kearney; brothers, Robert and James Kearney and step brothers Rev. Philip Amidon S.J. and John Amidon. She is survived by her siblings JoAnn (wife of late James), Thomas (Nabila) Kearney, Susan (Michael) Anderson, and Richard (Natalie) Kearney; step brother Michael (Barbara) Amidon; children—Maureen (Terry) Bachman, Joseph, Michael (Kathy), Anne (Paul) Steele, John (Kendra), and Daniel (Melissa)—as well as 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Mary requested that donations be made to the DMARC Food Pantry or Holy Trinity Church St. Vincent de Paul Society. Her family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at The Woodlands Creek Senior Living in Clive for the compassionate care they provided in her final years.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, Iowa, with a Rosary service beginning at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery.