Margaret Rose (Marnie) Kelley

Our dear Margaret Rose (Marnie) Kelley passed away, peacefully, in her sleep the morning of August 9, 2022. She was 67. Born December 18, 1954 to Mary Jane and James William Kelley, she was the second of seven children. She will be deeply missed.

Marnie’s family meant the world to her. She never forgot a birthday, buying thoughtful gifts with her meager means. If she didn’t have money she’d send drawings and letters. She was an unrecognized artist and a poet. And she suffered for her art.

After a normal childhood, she developed a chronic brain disease. Mental illness hit her hard, just as her life was budding. Despite this, she managed to bloom into a beautiful young woman.

During the course of life, her illness led her into many dark corners. She often dwelled on the rough side of town. During episodes of bad health, behavioral issues put her at risk with roommates and strangers alike. They alienated her from her family, too. She spent a lifetime cycling in and out of psychiatric wards, back into community housing, always needing to find another place to live. The chronic shortage of beds in safe housing became a lifelong challenge. Thankfully, she never went homeless.

Throughout her challenges, she never lost her love for and her faith in her family. She was proud of each of her siblings’ accomplishments. She kept hoping for and working toward her own independence. She earned her GED and later a nursing assistant certificate. But she wasn’t able to put her learning to use. Her illness prevented her from ever holding a job.

Marnie was a guiding light. She anchored our family. She always felt like she didn’t achieve, but how do you measure success when life places someone at such a disadvantage? Having a good day for some can be an incredible accomplishment.

She had an infinite well of empathy, sensitive to others in dire situations. She adored children and animals, always ready to take in a stray cat. She kept journals and wrote poetry. Her isolation was a theme which ran through her writing. Sad and beautiful.

When she was younger, her happy place was at the beach. She was in her element when she swam. Long and leggy, water was her second skin. As a teenager she joined the New Carrollton swim team. A few years before she became wheelchair bound she still moved powerfully and gracefully when she dove into a pool.

Her faith in God always remained strong and was a source of comfort and hope. Now she rests with the angels, her mother, her brother, her father. She leaves behind a stunned family. Survivors include her five siblings: Bill (Karen), Dave, Cathy (Larry), Dan (Eileen), Teresa (Mac). Six nieces and nephews: Heather (Reggie), Patrick, Matt, Sean (Erika), Will, and Kelley, her grand niece, Lizzy, and grand nephew, Hunter. She leaves behind many cousins, aunts and uncles who she often spoke fondly about. She never forgot them even after years passed since last seeing them.

Family invites friends and loved ones to funeral services in the chapel at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 1pm., directly followed by graveside interment. 11301 Crain Hwy, Cheltenham, MD 20623.

Donations can be made in Marnie’s memory to NAMI, www.nami.org or Sheppard Pratt, www.sheppardpratt.org