Margaret Halloran Kelly

Margaret Halloran Kelly (93) entered heaven on May 1, 2020 at St. Gabriel’s Community in Bismarck, ND.

She was born June 11, 1926 in Bismarck, ND to Francis Halloran and Ada Mauer who came from two early Bismarck Irish pioneer families. She attended Catholic School at St. Mary’s and graduated in 1944.

Margaret pursued college to become an elementary teacher.  She started out at the college of St. Benedict in St Joseph, MN and went on to complete education classes at Minot State Univ. in Minot, ND and Northeastern State Univ. in Tahlequah, OK. She later earned her master’s degree in Education through Northern State University in Greeley, CO.

Margaret enjoyed reminiscing about her interesting experiences of traveling and working during her early years. Highlights of her stories included her first teaching opportunity in Cannonball, ND on the Standing Rock Reservation, a desk job with CBS Studios in New York City, a stint teaching at a military base in Germany, and not to mention the trip of a lifetime traveling to Asia, The Middle East, Europe and South America with her brother John Halloran.

Denver, CO is where she ultimately put down her roots. Margaret established a 40-year career as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher with the Denver Public Schools. She met the love of her life Bernard Kelly, a handsome and well-loved reporter with the Denver Post. They married later in life in 1981 and lived for many years in a 14th floor apartment overlooking the beautiful skyline of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. They were perfect companions and enjoyed many more adventures together.  Margaret was a doting caregiver to Bernie until his death in 1999.

For the last six years Margaret lived in Bismarck, ND, returning to her childhood home to be closer to family. The highlight of her life most recently was spending time with her grandnieces, Hannah (6) and Adah (2).  She loved her phone calls with loved ones from around the country and visits from her nieces and nephews. She was happy and content at her home at St. Gabriel’s Community.

Margaret will be remembered for her kind nature and generosity. Her brother John described her in his memoir as having an inner toughness with an unassuming innocent exterior.  She had a big smile and a positive, practical attitude. She made conversations and friends wherever she went. 

During her last week of life, Margaret shared visions of a breathtaking stairway outdoors covered with the greenest grass and bright red flowers, “a stairway to heaven." She has surely ascended that stairway to be greeted by a grand company and welcomed into the loving presence of God.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband Bernard Kelly; parents Francis and Ada Halloran; siblings, Leo, Mary and John Halloran, and sister in law, Virginia Nelsen.  She is survived by her niece Katie Halloran Schafer (Damian), grand nieces, Hannah and Adah Schafer, Bismarck, ND; grandniece Nora Kelly (Joan), Denver, CO; and grandnephews Norden Kelly (Patty), Mountainair, NM; Sean Kelly, Austin, TX; and Tom Kelly(Tory), Bozeman, MT; as well as several cousins and friends across the country.

Family would like to thank all the medical professionals at St. Gabriel’s Community, CHI St. Alexius Medical Center and CHI St Alexius Hospice and who gave extra support and care when the family had limited visits due to COVID 19 precautions.

A private family memorial service is planned, and burial will take place alongside her husband in Denver, CO at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Denver Public Schools Supplemental Benefits Program (Formerly the Denver Teachers Club) www.dpssbp.org or to St. Gabriel’s Community Foundation www.stgabrielscommunity.org to be used for special needs during the COVID 19 Pandemic.