Date of Birth:
Wednesday, September 21, 1932
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Age:
78 years old

Nancy Ingalls Kelly

Nancy Ingalls Kelly, 78, formerly of rural Rochester and recently of Faribault, MN, and Tucson, AZ passed to our Lord and Savior peacefully May 19, 2011 in her Tucson, AZ home, surrounded by loving family and husband of 58 years, holding her hand. Nancy is now in Heaven sitting upon Jesus’ lap.

She was born at home September 21, 1932 to Cecelia “Bernice” Ingalls of Pleasant Grove, MN. At age 15, Nancy lived and worked as a nanny for the Dr. Cherry family in Rochester. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1950.  On September 23, 1952, she married the love of her life, Vincent S. Kelly at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, officiated by Rev. Monsignor Joseph Mountain.

Nancy worked as a telephone operator for Rochester State Hospital for 15 years until its closing and then for Northwest Bell for 15 years, retiring at the time the company was reorganized. Vince worked for Rochester Public Schools for 35 years and retired in 1990. The couple farmed and raised their nine children in rural Rochester until the 1980’s when they moved to their home on Golden Hill in Rochester. In 1990 they made their home on Lake Roosevelt in Outting, MN. Nancy loved her log cabin at the lake and especially enjoyed visits by all of her children and grandchildren. Vince and Nancy traveled frequently to Tucson, AZ beginning in 1978 when their daughter Peggy moved away. In 1996 they made their home on Bull Run in Tucson to be closer to their daughters, thus beginning their snowbird status.

Nancy loved sewing, knitting, crafts, making pajamas, winter caps and mittens, quilts, afghans for all her children and later, grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking; it will be sorely missed by all. Vince and Nancy often travelled to Portland, OR to visit their youngest son. For her birthday in 1999, the couple made their trip of a lifetime to Ireland. With the loving care of her husband, Nancy was able to enjoy life longer.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she is survived by her loving husband, Vincent S. Kelly; daughters Peggy (Mark) Malcomson of Tucson, AZ,  Mary Kelly of Rochester, Julie (Andrew) Dutton of Vail, AZ, and Jill (Shalise) Kelly of Lanesboro, MN;  sons Patrick of Stillwater, MN , Scott (Jeanne)of Mankato, MN, Christopher of Rochester, MN, Shawn (Kimberly) of St. Charles, MN, and Joshua (Jennifer) of Portland, OR; 16 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and brother Roger (Sharon) Barnes of Oronoco, MN, and Annie and Bucky beloved canine companions.  She was preceded in death by her mother and brother, Norman Barnes.

A Memorial Mass was held in Tucson Monday, May 23^rd at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church officiated by Rev. Monsignor Tom Cahalane.

Pallbearers for Nancy are Brandon Kelly, Heather Kelly, Zachary Kelly, Logan Kelly, Evan Kelly, Connor Kelly.  Honorary Pallbearers are Cameron Kelly, Ashley Peterson, Mikki Kelly, Meghan Kelly, Martin Malcomson, Andie Dutton, Casey Larson, Holly Benke, Hilary Kelly, and Quinn Kelly.

A Funeral Mass in Rochester will take place 10:30am Saturday, May 28th 2011 at Resurrection Catholic Church officiated by Rev. Kevin Connolly . Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Friends may call from 5-8pm Friday, May 27^th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one half hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society in memory of Nancy Kelly or may be designated for Catholic Masses. Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.