Muriel Irene Kelly (Thomas)
December 13, 1923 — July 17, 2009
Muriel Thomas Kelly, 85, a resident of Mercy Hallmar, Cedar Rapids, and formerly of Cedar Rapids and Chicago, died there Friday, July 17, 2009. Services: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion, conducted by Tom Fogle where friends may call one hour prior to the service. Private Burial: Lafayette Cemetery, Alburnett, Iowa.
Survivors include a sister-in-law, Margaret Kelly Griffin of Chicago; and 7 nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Spencer (Jackie) Thomas.
Muriel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Anthony M. (Tony) Kelly; and 2 brothers, C. Dean Thomas and Harold “Heg” Thomas.
Muriel was born December 13, 1923, the daughter of George H. and Emma (Bostelmann) Thomas, in rural Central City, Iowa. She married Tony M. Kelly on September 24, 1966 in Chicago. He died in 1987. Muriel graduated from Alburnett High School in 1941 and from Cedar Rapids Business College in 1942; having also studied accounting and commercial law at Benjamin Franklin University in Washington. She was employed by Metropolitan Supply Co. in Cedar Rapids for several years before moving to Washington. Her 42-year career as a confidential secretary and administrative assistant was highlighted by working for Admiral Rickover of the U.S. Navy, during which time she was invited to the launching ceremonies of the Nautilus, the first atomic-powered submarine.
Muriel was active in both girls and boys 4-H clubs. Other important interests were sports, music, crossword puzzles and crocheting. After returning to Iowa, following her husband’s death, she volunteered for the American Cancer Society and Mercy Medical Center for many years. She was a member of the Linn County Farm Bureau, a life member of Mercy Auxiliary, a life member of the Alburnett Historical Society and attended Cedar Valley Bible Church.
A special thank you to the Third Floor Hallmar Nursing Staff and Dr. Mary Anne Nelson, for all of their wonderful care and support.
Memorials may be directed to the Alburnett Historical Society, 106 S. Main, Alburnett, IA 52202.
Survivors include a sister-in-law, Margaret Kelly Griffin of Chicago; and 7 nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Spencer (Jackie) Thomas.
Muriel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Anthony M. (Tony) Kelly; and 2 brothers, C. Dean Thomas and Harold “Heg” Thomas.
Muriel was born December 13, 1923, the daughter of George H. and Emma (Bostelmann) Thomas, in rural Central City, Iowa. She married Tony M. Kelly on September 24, 1966 in Chicago. He died in 1987. Muriel graduated from Alburnett High School in 1941 and from Cedar Rapids Business College in 1942; having also studied accounting and commercial law at Benjamin Franklin University in Washington. She was employed by Metropolitan Supply Co. in Cedar Rapids for several years before moving to Washington. Her 42-year career as a confidential secretary and administrative assistant was highlighted by working for Admiral Rickover of the U.S. Navy, during which time she was invited to the launching ceremonies of the Nautilus, the first atomic-powered submarine.
Muriel was active in both girls and boys 4-H clubs. Other important interests were sports, music, crossword puzzles and crocheting. After returning to Iowa, following her husband’s death, she volunteered for the American Cancer Society and Mercy Medical Center for many years. She was a member of the Linn County Farm Bureau, a life member of Mercy Auxiliary, a life member of the Alburnett Historical Society and attended Cedar Valley Bible Church.
A special thank you to the Third Floor Hallmar Nursing Staff and Dr. Mary Anne Nelson, for all of their wonderful care and support.
Memorials may be directed to the Alburnett Historical Society, 106 S. Main, Alburnett, IA 52202.
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