It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Marna Kathryn Coleman Kelly, who departed on December 22, 2024, at the age of 73. Full of laughter and esprit de corps she touched the lives of all who knew her. Marna was born August 8, 1951, in Philadelphia, PA and was lovingly raised by her parents Eula and Garland Anderson in Chester, PA.
Marna graduated from Chester High School in 1969 and pursued her B.A in Biology from Cheyney State University in 1978. At a time when women were often discouraged from pursuing higher education, Marna persevered and went on to enroll at Bryn Mawr College, determined to earn her Master's degree.
Marna began her career at Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company in Bryn Mawr, PA as a Medical Technologist. She later joined Crozer-Chester Medical Center, where she worked for over 25 years and became the laboratory supervisor. Marna was a dedicated member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and was recognized as a mentor in the lab, always eager to share her extensive knowledge with her colleagues, particularly the younger generation.
When she wasn’t in the lab, you would find her at the barn with her beloved horses, brunching with friends and family or jamming to the oldies. Marna was the first District Commissioner of the Great Circle Pony Club and a proud sponsor of the Devon Horse Show. Moreover, Marna was a devoted and cherished mother who made education a priority for her daughters, a decision which enriched them greatly.
She was predeceased by Eula C. Anderson, (Mother), Garland Anderson, (Father) and her partner, Gordon K. Shoates (aka “Skip"), Kenneth Palmore (cousin),and William Coleman. Marna leaves behind Brandon Kelly (daughter) Keith Wilson (son-in-law), Morgan Kelly (daughter), Annette Pagano (sister), Eula Coleman (sister), Roseann Smith, Judy Wimbush-Silver, Diana Dudley (cousin), Candace Davis (cousin), Robie Davis (cousin), Alma Palmore (cousin), The Jennings Family and colleagues and friends too numerous to list as Marna was loved by many.
Marna's memorial service will be private.
Please consider donating in Marna’s honor to The Wilmington Montessori School.
You are encouraged to submit kind memories and condolences below in the comments section on this page.
Private messages for the family may be submitted to: brandonkelly1@yahoo.com
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