Margaret Mary (Lavin) Kelleher

Margaret M. “Mary” Kelleher (nee Lavin), passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 20, 2019, a week shy of her 84th birthday.

Known as Mary to her family and close friends, she was born on June 27, 1935 in Carragariffe, Tibohine, County Roscommon, Ireland. At the age of 17, she boldly boarded the S.S. America, bound for New York City and a new life. Soon thereafter, she met her husband, Timothy J. Kelleher, at an Irish dance. They were married on November 27, 1957. 

In 1973, Tim and Mary and their four children moved from Queens, New York to Leola, PA. Once they were empty nesters, Mary and Tim moved to Chester County to be closer to their daughters and thoroughly enjoyed living in the Evian Townhouse community. As Mary’s health declined, her family and friends were an invaluable source of comfort and support.

Throughout her life, Mary embodied the definition of humility and selfless love. She lived to serve others, especially her family. She loved hosting family dinners and setting a beautiful table. If you cleared your plate, she would refill it before you had the chance to ask for more. When she became a grandmother, Mary fully devoted herself to spoiling her grandchildren, hosting numerous sleepovers and visits to the pool. “Grandmom Doughnuts” was happiest when she made others happy.

Mary is survived by her son, Timothy of Westbury, NY; daughter, Catherine McFadden of West Chester; daughter and son-in-law Mary and Robert Kelly of St. Davids; daughter and son-in-law, Bridget and Matt Tomasicchio of Berwyn; and eleven grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Margaret Lavin of Carle Place, NY and nieces and nephews in New York, Ireland and Germany.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of forty-eight years, Tim, her parents, Patrick and Delia Lavin, her sister Theresa Casey and her brother John Lavin.

A viewing will be held from 9:00-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25th, at the Logan Funeral Home, 698 E. Lincoln Hwy., Exton, PA 19341.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at SS. Philip & James Church, 107 North Ship Road, Exton, PA 19341.

Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.