Joyce J. Kelly, 79

New Ulm — Joyce J. Kelly, age 79, of New Ulm, died Nov. 23, 2009 in Blue Earth.

A Memorial service celebrating Joyce’s life was held on Nov. 28, at 11 a.m. at the Elmore United Methodist Church in Elmore.

Joyce Jewel Kelly was born on Jan. 28, 1930, in St. Paul, to Earl and Florence Snyder. Joyce lived in New Ulm, Faribault and Elmore, while growing up. She graduated from Elmore High School in 1947. She attended Macalaster College and graduated with a B.A. degree in sociology in 1951.

She married Gene Kelly on Dec. 17, 1950. Joyce worked for Faribault County as a social worker at United Hospital District and STEP. Joyce was intelligent, caring and humble. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She loved movies, theater, politics, music, sports, engaging conversation and reading. She was a deeply devoted Christian.

Joyce is survived by her children, Mark (Jane) Kelly, Janet (Bob) Ratzlaff, Jill (Dave) Stenzel, and Victor (Wanda) Kelly, grandchildren, Alex (Alicia) Kelly and Alison Kelly, Sarah (Joel) Biermeier, Amy Williams, Caitlin Fowles, Lauren and Lindsay Stenzel, William and Frances Kelly, six great-grandchildren, Hannick, Kettie, Mallaigh, Aile and Cabahn Biermeier and Rowan Hanson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant son and daughter-in-law.

Memorials can be directed to UMW, Faribault County DFL or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.