Aston, PA-Sister Helena Kelly, OSF, (formerly Sister Marie Columbkill), 67, died in St. Ann Convent, Tacoma, on February 18. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 47 years. Sister Helena was born in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland, where she was a member of St. Michael Parish. She entered the congregation in 1959 and professed her first vows in 1962. Sister Helena earned a B.A. in Education from Fort Wright College, Spokane, and a Masters in Education from the University of San Diego.
Sister Helena ministered in the Archdiocese of Seattle for nine years. She taught at St. Charles Borremeo School in Tacoma. For the last seven years she worked at St. Francis House in Puyallup, serving first as a tutor and then as assistant to the clothing bank manager. Additional ministry in Washington included teaching at St. Charles School in Spokane.
During Sister Helena’s ten years in the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, she ministered at the Franciscan Renewal Center.
Sister Helena also ministered in California for many years. In the Diocese of San Bernardino she taught at St. Thomas School in riverside and St. Edward School in Corona. In Sand Diego she taught at the School of the Madeleine.
Additional ministry experience included teaching at St. Stephens Indian Mission in St. Stephens, Wyoming, and working at St. Elizabeth Nursing Home in Baker, Oregon.
All services will be held in St. Ann Convent, 6602 S. Alaska Street, Tacoma. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. on Friday, February 20. Sister Helena is survived by her sister, Maureen Loftus; her brother, John Kelly; her nieces and nephews; and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
