
Sr. M. Celesta Kelley, RDC, formerly Joan Grace, Kelley, a Sister of the Divine Compassion, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023 at Cabrini Nursing Home.
Sr. Celesta was born in Bridgeport, Ct. on Feb. 3, 1931, the daughter of Louis and Grace (Burke) Kelley. Sister’s early education was in Connecticut. She went on to study at Good Counsel College and Villanova University, earning degrees at both schools.
Sister was a beloved educator at Good Counsel College and Pace University for many years. She traveled to numerous places to further her education and that of her students.
Sr. Celesta was a woman of deep faith who, throughout her affliction, trusted wholly in God’s everlasting love. We shall cherish her memory, her love of our RDC Community, and her desire to serve others. In her roles as gifted high school Earth Science and IPS teacher, and college professor of Geology and Meteorology, Sister was loyal, organized, caring, and ever ready to share her expertise. Her fidelity, kindness and wonderful sense of humor will ever be remembered by all who knew her and shall long recall her commitment to compassion and education.
Sr. was predeceased by her parents and her only sibling, Katherine Kelley Feango. Sister is survived by her Sisters of the Divine Compassion.
Memorial donations are welcome.