Sister Nora Kelly | Educator, 80

Sister Nora Kelly, 80, an educator and administrator, died of heart failure Wed., Dec. 15, at Holy Child Center, a retirement residence for the Sisters of the Holy Child in Rosemont.

Sister Nora graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School, where she took business courses, worked as a typing aide in the school office, and was a member of the chemistry club. She was an expert at the Irish jig, said Sister Joan McIntyre, a West Catholic classmate who is also a Sister of the Holy Child.

Sister Nora entered the convent in 1951. She was known for years by her religious name of Mother Mary Zita.

She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Villanova University. She taught at Holy Spirit School in Sharon Hill and St. Edward's and St. Lucy's Schools in Philadelphia. Then, for seven years, she was on the staff of Holy Child Center.

For two years, Sister Nora assisted in the library at Rosemont College before joining the staff of Catholic Social Services in 1984. She was secretary to the migration-refugee program and was later secretary in the child care department before retiring in 1997.

"She had a wonderful disposition and was always smiling," said Sister Joan.

Sister Nora is survived by a twin, James, and another brother, Dennis.

A viewing will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11, at New Sharon Chapel, 1341 Montgomery Ave., Rosemont. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.