The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada announces the death of Sister Nora Kelly at Mount St. Joseph, Peterborough, on May 11, 2025. Nora was born in Farrellton, Quebec. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke and upon final profession, adopted the religious name of Sister Callista. She served her Congregation faithfully for over 77 years.

She is survived by her sister, Marion Kennedy, and her brother, Robert. Sister Nora is predeceased by her parents, the late Gerald and Eunice (Daly), her sister, Ann Costello and her brothers, Rev. Carl Kelly, OMI, Brother Philip Kelly, OFM, Joseph, Patrick and Edward. Her family was very dedicated to serving the Church.

Shortly after entering the Congregation, Sister Nora received her teacher’s certificate. She taught at St. Paul’s School in Sheenboro for six years, followed by another six years at St. Mary’s school in Quyon. In 1964 Sister Nora volunteered for the mission in Peru. She helped found St. Joseph’s School and taught there for five years. This began her 40-year ministry to the Peruvian people. She served in different capacities, such as administering a parish, Catechetical work, adult education and a novitiate program. She was very involved in evangelization of Peruvian families. She said that the evangelization program gave her a much deeper appreciation of what can be done for families in church life. She was a steady, gifted presence to the people of Peru as a dedicated worker who loved her work and the people she served.

Her sisters in the Congregation speak of her as an exemplary Religious, a faithful and faith-filled worker who lived out the qualities of peace, love and joy.

There will be a funeral Mass at our Peterborough convent on Thursday, May 15th at 1:30 p.m.
It can be live-streamed at www.csjcanada.org/funeralnkelly

Donations to our Peru Mission in memory of Sr. Nora can be made through Canada Helps at www.csjcanada.org

Interment at St. Columba’s Cemetery, Pembroke.

Expressions of sympathy can be made at pembroke@csjcanada.org