Josephine "Jo" Catherine (O'Rourke) Kelley

Josephine Catherine Kelley

Jo passed away peacefully on April 28, 2021 in hospice surrounded by her loving family after having suffered a severe stroke.  Jo was born in New York City on October 24, 1941 and a few years later moved to the Philadelphia area. Jo was the very loving wife to Bernard J. Kelley and mother to Bernard J. III (Susan), Thomas J. (Kathy), Gerald J. (Sue) and Robert F. (Jackie), and a wonderful grandmother to Eric, Lauren, Ryan, Jack, Michael, Kathryn, Mary, Patrick, Connor and Zachary. Jo was predeceased by her father Francis, her mother Agnes, her brother John O’Rourke (Pat), and her sisters Agnes O’Rourke and Ann Marie VanDyke (Joe).

Jo graduated from Melrose Academy in 1959 where she excelled athletically in both field hockey and basketball. In 1963, Jo married her high school sweetheart Bernie immediately after Bernie’s graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, and their great 58-year adventure together commenced. During that period, Jo was a terrific mother to four boys, an avid lifelong reader, a steady support to her husband’s business career, an outstanding chef, a marvelous hostess for countless parties, a world class traveler and a friend who could be counted on by so many.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation 6:30-8:30 P.M. Wednesday, May 5th and 9:30 - 10:15 A.M. Thursday, May 6th at St. Patrick’s Church, 242 S. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA  19103 followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M.  Interment will be held at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA  19064.  Funeral Mass will be livestreamed also.  Please click on following link at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfD3B27Ec58IY3NTolvZ6kQ

In lieu of flowers family request contributions be made to Catholic Charities - The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, 100 North 20th Street Suite 301, Philadelphia PA 19103 or Penn Hospice Development, c/o Kelly McBride, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104  http://www.PennMedicine.org/RittenhouseHospice-gift (aka Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse).