Sister Agnes Kelly, OSB papers

Sister Agnes Kelly, OSB was born Lois May on May 20th, 1924 in Evanston, Illinois. She entered the community on September 15th, 1942, making her first vows on August 18th of 1944. Sister made her final profession on August 18th, 1947.

After graduating from Saint Scholastica High School Chicago, Sister earned a Bachelor of Philosophy and a Master of Education from DePaul University. She also attended classes and workshops at Adams State College of Colorado, Wright Junior College, and the Gregorian Institute of America. Sister served primarily as a teacher in parish and community schools. In Colorado, Sister taught at Saint Leander School and Saint Scholastica Academy, where she was also a dorm prefect. During her time as a teacher at the Academy, Sister developed and directed joint music programs between Saint Scholastica students and the boys from the Holy Cross Abbey School nearby. During summers in Colorado, Sister taught religion and liturgical music at vacation schools in parishes across the state, including Saint Michael Parish, Alamosa, and Redcliffe.

In Chicago, Sister taught at Queen of All Saints Parish School for over 10 years, between 1944-1950, and 1952-1956. In 1963, Sister began as a teacher at Saint Scholastica High School Chicago, in which role she would remain for next 49 years. In addition to teaching math and scoial studies, Sister Agnes also taught music education. A talented singer, she directed the freshman choir, the Glee Club, and gave private voice lessons.

In community, Sister enriched community liturgies with her voice, and was especially known for her rendition of the annual Christmas Proclamation, Good Friday's sung Passion and the Easter Exsultet, and the Ave Maria. She also took part in various committees, such as the Garden Level committee and the Liturgy committee. Sister's favorite, lifelong hobbies included gardening and baking.

Sister Agnes died on February 17th, 2019, and is buried in All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois.