Obituary of Anne S. Kennelly

Kennelly, Anne (Stack) Long term resident of Point Breeze, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at age 91. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Nellie (Sullivan) Stack. Anne was preceded in death by her husband James G. Kennelly and twin sister Mary E. Stack. Loving mother of Ellen K. Meekins (Daniel), Patrick J. Kennelly (Sharon), Kathleen A. Trichtinger (John), and Edward J. Kennelly. Beloved grandmother of Lily Meekins, Ethan, Jameson, and Ryan Kennelly, and Kristen and Lauren Trichtinger. Anne and her twin sister Mary were born at home in Wilmerding to hard working Irish immigrant parents. They were baptized shortly after birth as they each weighed three pounds and were not expected to survive. The family moved to Homewood where Anne attended Holy Rosary Grade School and High School. Anne kept ties with many classmates, but had a special place in her heart for the “Club Members”, a group of seven friends that included herself and her sister, Mary. They met at each other’s houses every month for their entire lives to talk and catch up with each other. After a year of business college, Anne worked downtown in bookkeeping for many years, saving money to travel back to Ireland with her mother to visit her extended family. In 1959, she married James Kennelly, who was an Irish immigrant from County Kerry like her parents. Their family grew quickly with 4 children born in 5 years. Anne was unexpectedly left a widow in 1972. With the loving support of her sister and a steadfast faith in the Lord, she raised her young family with hard work and determination. Anne began to work at St. Bede School as a secretary in 1976, a position she held for 19 years. She loved helping the students and formed strong bonds with the parents, teachers and principals. Another role she had during these years was the primary caregiver for her ailing twin, Mary, who died in 1991. Anne often said that her work at St. Bede gave her the strength to carry on after this devastating loss. In retirement, Anne was able to travel extensively. She made 4 pilgrimages to Rome, 3 of which made with the St. Bede Travel Club, with one of these including audience with the Pope. Anne fulfilled her lifelong dream of seeing Alaska and Hawaii by taking cruises with friends. She also travelled to many states to visit her children in the far-flung places their schooling and work drew them. A loving grandmother, she doted on her 6 grandchildren, getting down on the living room floor to play games with them as babies and moving up to the kitchen table to play cards with them as they grew older. Anne was a woman of uncommon strength and faith. She always maintained a sense of humor and fun, even when life was not easy. Friends were always welcomed in her home, filling it with laughter and love. She took great pride in her Irish heritage, her children’s professional achievements, and her grandchildren’s milestones. She loved her home of 60 years on Willard Street and St. Bede, always describing her house as “two doors down” from the church. Many of her dearest friends were her St. Bede Ladies and others from the parish community. Her Family finds comfort in that she is finally reunited with her parents, sister, and our dad. Friends received at McCabe Bros., Inc. Funeral Homes, 6214 Walnut Street, Shadyside on Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 pm, where Funeral will commence on Wednesday at 9 am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bede Church at 10 am. Donations may be made to St. Bede Church in Anne’s memory, 509 South Dallas Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. 15208.