Mary Kelly

CARBONDALE - Mary Kelly, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Mary was born on October 5, 1942 in Iowa City, IA to C. Addison and Dorothy (Hoeffler) Hickman. Mary was married to David Michael Kelly for 27 years. He preceded her in death in 1995.

She obtained a Bachelor degree from SIU, and a Masters degree from The University of Kansas, both English degrees.

Mary worked for 23 years as a computer programmer, analyst and consultant at various companies, including the Federal Reserve, until she retired. She then worked as office assistant and bulletin editor at Episcopal Lutheran Church in Carbondale for 14 years.

Mary was a lover of nature. She enjoyed her cat Griffin, and caring for her succulent collection. She was a very talented artist and created ceramic sculptures and cut paper art of dragons, unicorns, and owls. She also created digital prints of cats. She sold her artwork at local craft fairs and at Visions in Makanda. She began writing poetry when in college and continued to present day. She was past president of the Friends of Giant City State Park

Mary is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Kathy Hickman

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, David Kelly, and brother Mark.

Graveside Services for Mary will be held on Thursday, April 24 2025, at 2:00pm in Oakland Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to:

Defenders of Wildlife, 1130 17th St, NW, Washington, DC 20036

Doctors without Borders, 40 Rector St., 16th floor, New York, NY 10006

Good Samaritan Ministries, 701 S. Marion St., Carbondale, IL 62901

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Mary visit www.meredithfh.com