Celestine (Sally) Catherine Kelly (nee Twardochleb)

Sally Kelly passed peacefully, in the presence of loving family, at the Pasqua Palliative Care Unit in Regina, SK.  She reached the esteemed age of 89 years.  She will be lovingly remembered by her sons Loren, Allen (Elaine) and Patrick (Suzan) and 8 grandchildren: Jaimie, Daniel, Darcy, Amanda, Jennifer, Brent, Michael and Nicholas.  Sally was born to Titus and Eleanore Twardochleb in Southey, SK.  She was the first of four children and cared for her siblings Millie (Al) Taylor, Fran (Gerald) Schuster and Norbert (Audrey) Twardochleb until they all passed.  She was also predeceased by her husband Arthur, daughter Lois (Dan) Mokelki, and granddaughter Tracy.  She was a strong and independent woman living on without her spouse for 32 years.

Sally’s dad was the organ master at the Southey St. James Roman Catholic Church.  Sally sang in the choir, which was instrumental in nurturing her deep faith and love of music.  Sally developed great personal strength with the loss of their mother when she was 15.  Being the oldest, she had to look out for the family and became the ‘maker of lists’ to keep the household organized.  Sally’s strength and caring nature lead her to pursue a career in Nursing after high school.  Sally graduated from the Nursing program in Weyburn, SK and worked at Souris Valley Extended Care Hospital for 35 years until her retirement in April 1989.  Early in her career, she contracted TB and recovered at the Ft Qu’Appelle Sanatorium.

At Souris Valley, one of Sally’s favorite pursuits was ice skating with her beau’s.  While working in the X-ray department, Sally met her husband Arthur.  Although he had no skating skills, their “romance among the x-rays” achieved full radiance and they were married in May 13, 1951.

Sally continued work while raising their four children, born from 1953 to 1963.  She was a patient and caring mother and was always proud of her children.  She was naturally sunny and quick to laugh.  True to her passions, she encouraged her children to pursue both music and figure skating.  She volunteered on the committee for figure skating and playing music for the skaters.  She also was an active volunteer for the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion.  She was an excellent cook - Christmas and other special occasions were always filled with delicious meals and family treats, insuring sweet family memories.  We will miss the prized “Jam Jams”.  She also took the kids on memorable adventures at Carlyle Lake or on road trips to the US.  Sally had many other talents - from knitting “graduation comforters”, sewing patches on the boys’ clothes, or planting her large garden and flower beds.  Maintaining her small “acreage” on Elgin Street was one of her greatest pleasures and she enjoyed visiting with family and friends on her welcoming deck.

After Sally retired, she further nurtured her green thumb helping organize many horticultural society events and winning many awards for her own gardening endeavors. She loved hosting her grandchildren over the summer and teaching them her love of gardening.  The grandkids were always excited to see Grandma and spend time just talking with her on the deck.  She travelled frequently to visit family and ensured there were always birthday and Christmas cards.  Even in her later years, she was always thrilled to patiently share her love with her lively great-grandchildren.

Sally continued to learn and see new things in retirement.  She strengthened her faith by joining the Catholic Woman’s League in 2001 and through regular bible study meetings.  She continued to be an avid reader and went on trips with her church group to Israel, Jordan, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.

She leaves behind many who will miss her cheerful spirit and unconditional love.  Sally was dearly loved by her family and we all feel the loss.  But we know Sally will live on in our hearts and so will be with us always.

Sally’s Celebration of Life will be held in St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, 314 – 3^rd Street N.E., Weyburn, SK on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:00 A.M.  A reception in McKenna Hall will follow immediately after the service.  Interment will occur at 2:30 P.M. same day in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, SK.  All are welcome.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Pasqua Palliative Care Unit, who’s compassionate care greatly eased our mother’s passing.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to this site:  https://www.hrf.sk.ca/.  Type “3A Palliative Care Unit, Pasqua Hospital” in the “Fund Allocation” box on the donation page.