(December 4, 1927 - July 9, 2014)
My gratitude goes to a number of the sisters who had written some information on the life of Sister Cecilia Ann (Kelly), or Cely, as she was known to many. She was born in Akron, Ohio, to Charles Kelly and Leonia (Hopfinger) on December 4, 1927. There were five boys and four girls. The family attended St. Martha Parochial School and North High School in Akron. Her father and mother met at Ohio State University and graduated from there. Her father was first a teacher and then a lawyer. Later the governor of Ohio appointed him a municipal judge. He was a highly respected judge and known for his compassion for those in need. Together they helped set up the Newman Club at the university. In their married life they continued to be involved in assisting at the parish church. Her mother received her degree in home economics, and her skills and knowledge were well used while raising nine children.
Cely earned her bachelor of arts degree from Saint Mary’s College and her master of fine arts degree from the University of Utah. After earning these degrees, she continued her art education at the Chicago Institute of Art, Otis Institute of Art in Los Angeles, California State University at Long Beach and Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She spent a number of summers at Saint Barnabas Convent in Long Beach on the beach with her easel and brush. The sisters provided her with an extra bedroom, which she set up as a studio. She also studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Cely recognized that she had a wonderful advantage of being supported by the community in furthering her art education.
Sister enjoyed her years teaching fine arts on the college level, but there is a story about her early days of teaching on the elementary level. Her story is joined together with one Sister Kathryn Callahan told about her elementary teaching experience. Can you believe that Cely and Kate taught the same class? Of course, we all know both of them had short-lived elementary careers.
In her personal and spiritual life sister spoke for herself. “Art is integral to my vocation at the most basic level.” she said once when interviewed. “Because of my talent and educational background, I was asked to teach art; I think that teaching has been the central direction of my life. In addition, my sisters have given me the support to work, as teacher and artist. When I received my call to the religious life, I resisted it all the way. When I finally decided to enter, I experienced great peace. Part of my call included a love of theology and philosophy. In a way, I love theology almost as much as art; I still read many contemporary technological studies and works of spiritual writers. Spiritual reading, Scripture, prayer, liturgy and annual retreat help keep me centered. Of course, I love it and it is a part of me. At the same time, a balanced life for me includes a life in community and in ministry. Daily prayer, community life and service, and my ministry in teaching — these are the mainstays of my life. I don’t fancy myself as an artist in the romantic sense, that is creating away while starving in an attic somewhere. Art for me is an integral part of my life and ministry. I am blessed in knowing that my talent and vocation in life as a religious have come together.”
The list of Sisters of the Holy Cross who were important in life begins with her two aunts, Sisters David and Rose Estelle. She remembered that during her aunts’ visits to their home, the children were expected to be on their best behavior. However, they were not only religious, but also members of the family so the nieces and nephews were never afraid of them. She also identified Sisters Alice Eileen and Sophia as having been significant sisters in her life.
In everything Cely did in life she was a perfectionist. Her art work is displayed at a number of places throughout Saint Mary’s Convent, Bertrand and Lourdes Halls. Her art work also beautifies many areas at Saint Mary’s College — the welcome center, the president’s dining room and a number of rooms in the student center. Her work has been shown in over 50 exhibitions on the international, national, regional and local levels.
Although Sister Cecilia Ann was known and recognized nationally for her art work she was most comfortable in a low-key setting surrounded by her sisters in community, her family, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and students. She was naturally drawn to a devotion to St. Andre Bessette and to his heavenly friend, St. Joseph. Both welcomed her into her eternal home. Cely, we will miss your quiet presence, and the love you shared so generously.
May you rest in peace.
Written by Sister M. Joan Elizabeth (Johnson), CSC