On March 7, 1935 John William and Elizabeth O’Toole Kelly lovingly welcomed their sixth child, a daughter, whom they named Ursula Elizabeth, to their family. As long as she could remember Ursula desired to be a School Sister of Notre Dame. She remarked in her autobiography that she was influenced by the “beautiful example given by the sisters who instructed” her and her family and their “deep religious attitude.” Before her graduation from St. Philomena School in June 1949, Ursula wrote to Mother M. Myles and received acceptance to the SSND aspiranture.
During Ursula’s high school years at the aspiranture in Fort Lee, NJ, family events occurred which furthered the development of her vocation. Her oldest brother, John, was ordained a Redemptorist priest. She was also “encouraged by the example” of her sister, Kathleen, who was received and professed as Sister Perpetua Marie, SSND. Her sister, Jackie, later became Sister Elizabeth Marie, SSND. Ursula graduated from the aspiranture on May 31, 1953 and returned home to prepare for the reception of the candidate’s bonnet at St. Philomena’s parish on Aug. 27, 1953.
As an SSND candidate, Ursula attended the Teachers’ Training School in Baltimore. She was received into the novitiate on July 12, 1954 and was given the name, Mary Redemptina. Sister M. Redemptina professed her first vows on Aug. 1, 1955. Sister was a student at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now University) during the school year of 1955-56.
Sister Redemptina began her teaching career as a professed sister in the second, then sixth grades at St. Joseph Monastery School, Baltimore (1956-63). She then returned to the Diocese of Pittsburgh, where she spent the rest of her career. Ursula taught sixth and seventh grades at Most Holy Name School (1963-67) and was principal at St. Joseph School, Verona, Pa. (1967-71). Sister Ursula worked with the Offices of Education and Religious Education until her retirement (1971-2009). She was an SSND education consultant, director of religious education in elementary school, supervisor of religious education, director of elementary school catechesis and consultant for elementary school catechesis.
Sister Ursula’s higher education achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now University) 1964, Master of Education in Secondary Education, Duquesne University, 1971 and Master of Arts with a major in Theology, Duquesne University, 1977.
Education was to Ursula not just work, but a passion. She was dedicated to sharing God’s love through education, working with hundreds of teachers and thousands of children. She created and oversaw the monumental task of establishing a catechetical guide and curriculum where it did not exist and which became the envy of other dioceses. There was integrity in all she did. Her work combined wisdom and skill and at its heart was the dignity of the child.
Sister Ursula was a faith-filled woman who lived her religious vows for 62 years. She lived life with her gaze fixed on the Lord. She was dedicated to fidelity to God’s people and service to others. A wonderful colleague and friend, she built lasting ties and made a difference in peoples’ lives. Her source of strength was the Church and her great love of the Gospel. She was a woman of integrity who loved her family, the SSND congregation and serving the Lord.
Sister Ursula died peacefully on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Vincentian Home, Pittsburgh, with her family present. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Paul Cathedral, Pittsburgh. The Very Rev. Kris Stubna, former secretary for Catholic Education for the Diocese of Pittsburgh and rector of the Cathedral, presided at the concelebrated Mass. A cousin, Deacon Michael Kelly, St. Bernadette Church, Monroeville, Pa., was present on the altar. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pa. Sister Ursula is survived by her sisters Kathleen Kelly, SSND and Elizabeth Marie Kelly, SSND.
