Mary Ann Kelleher
Mary Ann Kelleher went to her eternal reward on June 12, 2024, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, with Father Steve Garner and Deacon Dave Brinkmoeller officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, where there will be a parish wake service at 7:00 p.m.
Mary Ann was born on January 9, 1933, the beloved daughter of George and Jean (Ballough) Haas. The Haas family lived next door to the Kelleher family for nine years, and “all because two people fell in love”, Mary Ann eventually “caught” Donovan “Red” Kelleher. They were married on November 8, 1952, at Nativity Church. Together they shared 55 years of wedded bliss, which resulted in five children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Mary Ann had a kind heart and gentle spirit. She was always upbeat and positive, bringing smiles and encouragement to everyone she met. She was a great source of inspiration to others, even into her later years when she embarked on a journey to improve her health. She was asked to be the keynote speaker at the Dubuque Live Healthy Iowa event. She rode her recumbent bike in her living room over 3,000 miles, the equivalent of riding across the United States two times!
More than anything, Mary Ann cherished time with her family. She loved hosting holidays and countless family gatherings with her camera in hand. As long as she was able, she attended endless events supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alongside Donovan, she enjoyed their long-standing couples club, playing euchre and sharing decades of friendship for over 53 years.
Mary Ann’s life was marked by her tireless service to others. At Senior High School she was the class president, homecoming queen, and was dedicated to organizing class reunions for 65 years. As her children grew, she was involved with PTA groups and was a Den, Cub and Girl Scout leader and CCD instructor. For many years she enjoyed being involved with the Christian Women’s Mother’s Club Rosary Society, the Legion of Mary, and a hospice grief group. She also received the Governor’s Award for her volunteer services as the President of the Multiple Sclerosis Dubuque Chapter for over 20 years. Her deep faith and loyal service to Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit Parish) spanned 67 years, supporting her parish community in many ways. It warmed her heart to foster lifelong connections and bring people together.
She took great pride in sending cards for every occasion and event to friends and family, especially during the holidays sharing time with her closest loved ones baking cookies and candy. Her cards brought warmth and joy to countless recipients.
Throughout her life Mary Ann was a pillar of strength and a steward of her faith, admired by all who were blessed to know her. If honesty, loyalty, and compassion are a measure of a person’s worth, then Mary Ann was a billionaire.
Mary Ann is survived by her children: Timothy Jon (Helen-nee Majerus) Kelleher, Wanda Jeanne (Gene) Pfab, Wendy Jayne (Dan) Merritt, Terrance Jozef (Deb Avenarius-nee Helling) Kelleher, and Todd Jaymes (Ann-nee Schlichte) Kelleher. She was “Grandma Mimi” to Karrie (Jason) Moeller, Kallie (Luke) Slaymaker, Kristie (Ryan) Johnson, Anna (Justin) Roling, Cheri (Cody) Boat, Amber Kelleher, Brandon (Victoria) Merritt, Brock Merritt, Ashley (Chris) Rothmeier, Lauren (Austin) Lloyd, Emily (Paul) Pins and Todd “T.J.” Kelleher; and step-grand daughters Heather Avenarius (Freddie Kammiller) and Ashley (Nate) Benter. Her great-grandchildren include Allie, Leah, and Katelyn Moeller, Tayva, Arjay and Roan Johnson, Jonah Roling, Ainsley Maeann Merritt, Madyson Digmann, Ayla, Kemper and Jack Rothmeier, Evelyn, Kash, and Krew Lloyd; step great-grandchildren Alyssa and Alivia Reed, Nevada, Savana, and Jax Sharkey, and Kailey and Cy Benter. Also surviving are brother Bruce (Connie) Haas, sister-in-law Susan Bahl, sister-in-law Lorraine Kelleher, and sister-in-law Karon Haas; many loving nieces and nephews, and her fur baby and loving companion Lucy Lu.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Donovan “Red” Kelleher (on January 4, 2008), her parents, George and Jean Haas, her in-laws Melvin and Dorothy Kelleher, brother George Haas, brother-in-law Joe Bahl, brother and sister-in-law Jim and Helen Kelleher, brother-in-law Bob Kelleher, beloved grandson T.J. Kelleher, and great-grandson Conner Jace Moeller.
In lieu of flowers, a Mary Ann Kelleher Memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be shared at egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially nurses Casey, Stephanie and Kristin, The Finley Hospital nurses on the fifth floor and Acute Rehab and Dr. Elsey for their kindness and sincere compassion, Dr. Ringold, and her most favorite Dr. Christopher Stille for his care throughout her later years of life.