Mary E. Kelleher – 83 – of 27 McDougall Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (March 31, 2017) at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born August 14, 1933 and was the daughter of George & Bernadine (Green) Phillips.

Mary was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1951). Following high school, she enrolled in and graduated from St. James School of Radiology and became a certified X-ray Technician.

She had been employed as an X-ray Technician at the former Karl Clinic in Hornell and for several years worked as an X-ray Technician at the former Bethesda Community Hospital. Following the closing of Bethesda Hospital, Mary began working as a Teacher’s Aide at the North Hornell School, a position she held for over 20 years retiring about 10 years ago.

Mary was communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and an active member of St. Ann’s Church. For most of her adult life, she attended Daily Mass and recited the Rosary. She enjoyed spending time in the Adoration Chapel and for many years was a member of the “Cleaning Crew,” making sure that the church was spotless. In her younger years, Mary served as a member and past president of the St. Ann’s School Mother’s Club. She was also a former member of the Ladies of Columbus.

As a proud mother & grandmother, Mary enjoyed attending her children & grandchildren’s school events and sporting events. When her children were young, she served as a Campfire Leader and also a Cinderella Softball Coach. In recent years, Mary enjoyed meeting up with her friends at their bi-weekly card club and weekly coffee club.

She was married on September 21, 1957 to William “Buddy” Kelleher who died in 2004. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Phillips; 2 sisters, Ann Rohan and Sara Wheeler.

Surviving are 5 daughters, Katie Kelleher of Rochester, Mary Margaret (McLeod) Chisi of Rochester, Liz (Dave) Willsey of Hornell, Pam (Michael) Murphy of Fairport and Patty (Ken Hampson) Kelleher of Rochester; 1 son, William “Bill” (Kristen) Kelleher of Fairport; 3 brothers, James (Nancy) Phillips of Arkport, George Phillips of Endicott, NY and Michael Phillips of Hornell; 2 sisters, Susan Anderson of Hornell and Margie (Kirby) Noye of Pittsford, NY; 9 grandchildren, Adam (Rachel) Willsey, Brian Willsey, Lauren (Kirk) Luvison, Annie Willsey, Temwa Chisi, Sibongile Chisi, Thembi Chisi, Emma Kelleher & Grace Kelleher; 2 great-grandsons, Benjamin Willsey and Jonathan Willsey; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Mary E. Kelleher will receive friends on Sunday (today) from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Highland Hospital, 1000 South Ave., Rochester, NY14620 or to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY 14580. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.