Mary Ann Kelly

Died: Sunday, March 10th, 2013

Visitation: will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service on Monday, March 25 at church

Celebration of her life: 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2013 at Gateway Church (3445 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire) with the Pastor Billy Gibson officiating

Interment: will be held at a later date in Baldwin Cemetery in Baldwin, WI

Mary Ann (Mathwig) Kelly, age 75, of Eau Claire, WI was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, March 10, 2013. 

Mary was born July 23, 1937 to the late Fred and Clarice (Keck) Mathwig in Fairmont, Minnesota. She received her education in the Fairmont schools and  graduated from Fairmont High School in 1956. During that time she worked as a telephone operator and waitress. She was united in marriage to William (Bill) Kelly on January 23, 1959 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fairmont.

Mary and Bill moved to Madelia, MN in 1960 when Bill went to work for Doboy. They moved to Faribault, MN in 1964 where they remained 13 years until a career move with Jerome Foods lead them to Barron, WI. They lived in Barron for 22 years until retiring to Eau Claire.

Throughout her life, Mary worked in various part-time positions including as a teacher's aide in the Faribault, MN schools as well as at the Lutheran pre-school in Barron and as the activity director at the assisted living home in Barron. 

Mary was a wonderful homemaker and had a flair for decorating. In earlier years, she enjoyed gardening, playing golf and snowmobiling. She loved music and was active in music throughout high school and later in church choir. One of her greatest joys in recent years was listening to her granddaughters play the piano. 

She is survived by her husband, Bill; daughters, Patricia Kelly of Maple Grove, MN and Teresa (Mark) Helgeson of Baldwin, WI; grand daughters, Rachel and Leah; brothers, Roger (Dolores) Mathwig and Jerry (Karen) Mathwig, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and her beloved pet and companion, Greta.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Kay.

As a result of dementia in recent years Mary withdrew from friends and family. She will always be remembered as good natured, caring and generous. Anyone that knew Mary enjoyed conversation and spending time with her. 

The family would like to thank Mayo Clinic Health System - Hospice for the wonderful care.