Marjorie Kelly

August 29, 1933 - August 11, 2021

Marjorie Kelly was born and raised in Costa Rica, Central America to Oswald and Cleodyne Kelly. She lived her childhood days with her parents and siblings at her Grandmother’s farmhouse in the community known as Waldeck in what she calls the most beautiful childhood any child could ever want, surrounded by fruit trees and rivers. Growing up, she developed a passion for books and became an avid reader of all types of books in both Spanish and English. She often said, reading is the best way to learn and travel the world. If you name a book, chances are she read it or heard of it. Marjorie was a trailblazer in many aspects of her life. She was one of the first black female students on a campus at the University of Costa Rica, where she graduated as professor of primary education, while becoming a trailblazer in the process. Marjorie worked for 12 years as a teacher in Puerto Limon Primary Girl School. She eventually travelled to New York City and returned to college to receive her license to teach Spanish at the High School Level. Known for her tenacity, Marjorie did not stop there. She continued her college education and earned an Associate’s Degree in nursing from the Regents external Degree program of the State University of New York and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn. She had the proud distinction of being listed on the National Dean's List. Marjorie worked as a staff nurse at Holy Family Hospital and Medical Center for 30+ years and then as a charge nurse of the various clinics. She remained as an Employee Health Nurse right up until the hospital closed in 1990. She continued to work at the Superior Career Institute in Manhattan, teaching Spanish. At that time, she also continued in the field of nursing by working as a visiting nurse for the Maternal Infant Assessment Unit at Family Care Certified Services of Brooklyn. Eventually, she was asked to work with the Community Family Planning Council as Head Nurse of the Brooklyn Clinic until retirement. Marjorie was the Matriarch of the extended Kelly and Blenman family. She raised her daughter, Carol, and was a key supporter of her grandson, Jonathan's, development. Marjorie loved her family and enjoyed keeping in contact with all them from around the globe. She made frequent trips back home to Costa Rica to visit some of them and also travelled to other countries, including Europe. She was an avid reader. Reading “a good book”, then explaining to everyone why it was so good was definitely one of her more defining characteristics, amongst many. She loved her newspaper, “The Daily News”. So much so that we got a subscription to it so she could enjoy it every day. Marjorie’s home away from home was undoubtedly St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, where she lent her talents to many groups to which she belonged, including the Latin Group, Health Group(which she founded), the Harvest Committee and the Stewardship Committee. Marjorie was a bundle of energy. She touched the lives of everyone she’s ever encountered. I’m sure if you’ve been in her presence, you came away with a wonderful experience. She was wise, smart, beautiful, compassionate, and above all, generous. Her personality was second to none. Vivacious and elegant. She had warmth, a desire to always help. Her best trait was her laugh. She laughed from her belly, especially when watching a comedy movie or simply listening to a joke. She was one of a kind, and she is now with our Lord. She is survived by her daughter, Carol, her grandson, Jonathan, her sister, Joyce, her brother, Glenford, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins from around the world. We will always love Marjorie and miss her. Thank the Lord for allowing us to have time with her here on Earth. Zoom Information for the Funeral Service can be seen below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87332159951?pwd=V1pQOEluSWUxaDY2RzV5dW5tNjFhQT09 Meeting ID: 873 3215 9951 Passcode: 117089 One tap mobile +19294362866,,87332159951#,,,,*117089# US (New York) +13126266799,,87332159951#,,,,*117089# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 873 3215 9951 Passcode: 117089 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAdR7PKxX