St. Paul – Laurie Kelly was a positive person with strong faith who truly loved her family. She was a kind and generous host, spreading love to everyone she met. Known for her great sense of humor, she enjoyed simple living and cherished times spent with friends and family. Born in Chapeau, Quebec, Canada, to Mervyn and Stella (Blais) Kelly on August 23, 1929, Laurie passed away peacefully at Carondelet Village in St. Paul on April 28, 2026. Her education began at schools run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke, Ontario, where she felt a calling to join the CSJ community from an early age. After graduating high school, she worked for three years in clerical roles for the Navy within the Canadian Civil Service. In 1952, following in the footsteps of her beloved family members Sister St. Roch and Sister Alma as well as her dear mentor Sister Edwina, Laurie moved to the Twin Cities and joined the Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJ), taking on the name Marie Alma. She became a U. S. citizen in 1957 and pursued studies in education at the College of St. Catherine (CSC) in St. Paul, MN. Shortly after that, she began teaching elementary education at various CSJ sponsored schools across Minnesota including Basilica in Minneapolis, St. Aloysius in Olivia, St. Mary in Bird Island, and St. Raphael in Crystal; one assignment that stayed close to her heart was teaching at St. Theresa in Honolulu, HI. While teaching full-time she completed her BA in Education from CSC (1972), later earning a BS in Library Science from the University of North Dakota (1985), as well as a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from CSC (1992). This allowed her to serve as Pastoral Minister, Librarian and Media Specialist at St. Michael’s in Grand Forks ND and also as Pastoral Minister at St. Michael’s West Saint Paul during different periods of her life.
After retiring Laurie volunteered at Bethany Convent and contributed time to the CSJ Ministry Foundation while serving five years as librarian for the St. Joseph Provincial House between 2003-2008. In 2011 she moved into Carondelet Village where she continued volunteering with joy wherever help was needed; always wearing a smile on her face! Those who knew Laurie will deeply miss her warm spirit.
Laurie is preceded by her parents; sisters Doreen Kelly and Kathleen (Kitty) Lynch; brothers Joseph and Mervyn Kelly. She is survived by sister Mary , many nieces , nephews , grand-nephews , grand-nieces ; dear friends ; along with members of Sisters of Saint Joseph Carondelet community & Consociates.
A Mass celebrating Laurie’s life will take place on Friday May 15th ,2026 , at eleven o’clock AM held inside Our Lady Of The Presentation Chapel located at:1884 Randolph Avenue Saint Paul followed by burial service afterwards occurring over Resurrection Cemetery Mendota Heights vicinity area. Memorial contributions made through donations preferred towards supporting The Sisters Of Saint Joseph Of Carondelet’s Retirement Fund within their local province.
Dear Laurie , rest peacefully surrounded by love.
Willwerscheid Funeral Home
www. willwerscheid. com
651-228-1006
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