Mary Rachel Kelly

Our Mary Kelly, where do we begin…

Ruth and I were so lucky to have grown up with you as a constant in our lives, with our family homes both being on Hollycroft — someone we never ever imagined our world without. We were only children when you came back to Hinckley, and although we heard our parents’ compassionate concerns about the unimaginable pain and loss you were living through, what we saw was something entirely different.

For us, coming home from school in the eighties and seeing your green wellies in the porch meant one thing: Mary was here! We would sometimes find you in the kitchen, your head in your hands and your heart in a thousand pieces – and yet, the moment we walked in, you would lift your head, wipe your eyes, and smile your bright, warm smile, just for us. You gave us your full attention, your warmth, and all of your enthusiasm for whatever was going on in our lives at the time, as if nothing in the world mattered more to you in that moment than being present for us.

That never changed throughout the decades of our lives, and that is how Ruth and I will always think of you, our Mary – always cheering us on.

You inspired us and grounded us more than you will ever know, always leading by example – showing love, courage, kindness, resilience, and hope, even when life felt unbearable. We grew up witnessing this in you: as children, as young women, as adults, and as mothers ourselves – and you will forever inspire us and remind us of the great qualities you embodied, for the rest of our lives. Bright, beautiful, brave, endlessly kind, and gracious. What a treasure-trove of wonder you were.

We are truly heartbroken that we won’t see you again for now, but profoundly grateful to have always had you in our lives. We will miss you deeply and always wish we had spent more time in your company as adults, asking you a million more questions about your life and your heart. But until we meet again, we will hold you in our hearts forever.

Fly high, our wonderful Mary – in love, in peace, in power, and in all the colours of the rainbow that always shone through you, from your truly special soul.

We will love all of who you were, forever.

Lucky, lucky us.

Ruth and Zélie xxx

Mary, thanks for being such a good friend. I'm glad we had so much fun watching plays, checking out exhibitions, eating out, and doing community work together. I'll never forget you.

Mary was a lovely, kind lady. She was a force of nature, very funny and easy to get on with.
She was a great part of Our Lady of the Angels and will be greatly missed.

Our lives have been richer with you in them Mary - may you rest in peace.

Dear Mary, you had a spectacular quality; no matter the topic, you made no clear
distinction between conversation and interrogation. Your curiosity and direct speaking made chats with you very lively and interesting.
I am sure you would have told St Paul ”Some of your letters are unreadable and anti-women.”
We love you and miss you, Mary, God bless you.
Bitei Dseagu

Ah Mary, those were the days my friend, working together in Ghana to support women and children in the 70s. Promoting primary health care - community, co-operation and equality. You cared deeply about recognising local expertise and addressing barriers to health. You were practical and creative in mutual problem-solving with few resources and a tough climate. You combined kindness and direct speaking.
Courageous and resilient through distressing times, you were vulnerable but still spoke frankly to power (on one occasion at an ODA tea party!) about the reality and what changes were needed.
The good times rolled with laughter, love and adventure – a cold Star beer, dancing to highlife in fabulous print dresses, trips to Ouagadougou. I think of you in your cosy Bongo home anytime I eat liver and bacon.
Back home, your friendship was a silky thread through our life’s journey. You showed us how to stay forever alive with your studies at Uni, visit to Cote D’Ivoire with a wonky heart, activism for driver toilets among others. Thank you dear Mary, rest in peace now.

Our Marvellous Mary came into our lives when we most needed her. We were caring for our fathers, both in their nineties, their lives devastated by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our friend suggested that Mary could support us with the daily care for one father, Leslie. She entered our lives and hearts like our guardian angel, taking control of a difficult situation with fortitude and in the her practical, capable and caring manner. Her love and care went far beyond our expectations and extended to us as well as Dad. She was formidable and firm in her belief that good will conquer evil and fair. Her strong faith underpinned her love and support for others. Her kind heart shone through in all aspects of her life. She made us laugh, we loved her and will miss her. Now ‘Safe in the Arms of Jesus’, Mary has earned her reward. Rest in Peace dear friend.

Mary was a strong, wonderful character, and so lovely with my children.
She was a good friend whom we we will miss.

Thank you for being such a good friend and all the fun we've had. Lots of love Ed xxx

Lots of love to family and friends

A friend to the trees, the underlooked and a bringer together of all your friends.You made the weather Mary, sometimes stormy, you are missed already.

RIP Mary
Such fun memories of you Mary always there to give a helping hand
What a lady you will be missed
Jean and Spen