Mary Joanne Kelley

Mary Joanne Kelley, 91, Indianapolis, former longtime Marion, Indiana resident, passed away January 23, 2021. Mrs. Kelley was born August 2, 1929, in Indianapolis, to the late Matthew and Katherine (Clegg) Wernsing.

She graduated from Marion High School in 1947 and worked for a period of time for the Marion School Corporation, Grant County Clerk’s Office, and the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office. A determined and independent lady, Mary became the owner of Eagle Collection Agency and ran the business well into her 70’s when she retired. She was a member of Marion Rotary Club, Tri Kappa Sorority, and was a devoted and active member of St. Paul Catholic Church. Mary loved to entertain and was a good hostess; she also enjoyed needlepoint and quilting through the years. She will be fondly remembered by her loving family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Wernsing.

Survivors include two sons, Robert (Janet) Kelley and Kevin (Chris) Kelley; grandchildren, Katie (Andrew) Talarek, Michael Kelley, Taylor, Nathan, and Nicholas Shuey; one great grandchild, Alexander “Xan” Talarek.

Visitation will be from 1 – 2 p.m., January 27, 2021, at O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Fr. Bob Sims will officiate the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 5692 Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.

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  1. You will always been in our hearts and minds. Flowers were not your favorite, so a pretty plant instead in your honor. We love and miss you.

  2. I’m so sorry to hear of Mary Joanne’s passing. My best memory will be how she graciously opened her home for our high school gatherings, whatever the occasion was. Friends of Bob and Kevin’s were always welcome.I still look towards her house on Wabash Ave. whenever I drive by…. many great memories were made there. Rest In Peace Mrs. Kelley. Joni Harmon Fenwick

  3. To Kevin, Chris and Family, may god comfort you in your time of loss. With deepest sympathy, Brian and Lesa Cooley


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