In the late evening of Sunday, June 8, 2025, Marilyn Potts Kelly passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and friends. After 96 years, she is finally at rest with the lord.

Marilyn was born on October 11, 1928, in Pittsburgh. She is preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Margaret Potts. Also preceding her in death, is her husband,

John J. Kelly. She has one living sister, Roberta Werbaneth, who resides in North Carolina.

Marilyn graduated from St. Raphael High School in 1944 at the young age of fifteen, starting one year early and skipping two grades. She then went on to Saint Joseph School of Practical and Fine Arts, where she studied painting. Her other studies were at the Pittsburgh Musical Institute from 1944 to 1947 and further studied piano, organ, and voice.

Marilyn had a great passion for both music and art, and she used these talents throughout her life. Over a span of 70 years, she taught piano and was an organist/choir director in several churches. She was a true master of music theory and performance, with the singing voice of an angel. Her memory will live on in the music she taught to so many over the decades.

She was a woman of strong religious faith and a devout Catholic. From October 1949 to November 1953, she devoted herself to the Discalced Carmelite Order, based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She became a nun and served abroad in Nairobi, Kenya, and British East Africa. Upon moving to Williamsport, she became an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church where she played organ, piano, and sang in the choir.

On September 4th, 1954, she married the love of her life, John J. Kelly. They brought five children into this world, founding a further legacy of seven grandchildren and a growing number of great grandchildren: 11 to date. Preceding her in death are her children, Gregory J. Kelly and Adriane D. Kelly. Her surviving children are Julie K. Mutchler of Montoursville; Edrie K. Scisciani of Pittsburgh; and Anita K. Manfred of Pittsburgh.

Marilyn had many artistic talents including painting and sketching, sewing, quilting, furniture upholstery, drying flowers, collage, papier-mâché, and more. She was very fond of gardening and bird watching. As young women, Marilyn and Roberta were trained Magician's Assistants, serving in their father's professional magic shows.

Another great passion was genealogy and family history. She and her sister, Roberta, worked tirelessly to trace their Irish and German heritage back several centuries. They collected news articles, death certificates, and stories from villages of Duagh, County Kerry, in the Republic of Ireland. She was able to keep in contact with family members who resided there. She was so very proud of her Irish heritage.

Marilyn moved to Williamsport in 1993 to be closer to her eldest grandsons, Sean and Dan Farley. She remained in Williamsport, teaching and developing music programs at Robert M. Sides and then taught privately in her home. She founded the Kinder Music Program at Sides, teaching young children, as early as 3-5 years, the basics of music and rhythm.

She was endlessly witty and had a never-ending sweet tooth. She devoted herself to others, impacting the lives of so many family, friends, and musicians around the world. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

In honor of her wishes, a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Boniface Church, 326 Washington Blvd., Williamsport, on Tuesday July 15th, at 11am. All are welcome to attend.

Arrangements were entrusted to Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation & Funeral Home, Williamsport. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jamesmaneval.com.