Kelley Ann Mullen, 57, died peacefully Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at her residence. She was born September 28, 1961 in Alton, Illinois to Michael and Constance (Boss) Mullen. In her early years, she loved girl scouts, playing the guitar, playing clarinet in the Marching Wildcat Band, hitting the softball, and working at Reaban’s Drive-In. She was a member of St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Salem. At age 17, just after graduating from Salem Community High School, she set off for St. Louis. There, she enrolled as a student at Barnes Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating as a Registered Nurse in January of 1982 (as 30 inches of snow fell), she completed her bachelor’s degree in 1990 and her master’s degree in 1994, both from St. Louis University. Even as a nursing student, she went to work at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, eventually settling on a career there in the departments of neurology and rehabilitation. Within six years, she was named assistant head nurse in the neurology intensive care unit. Later, she was named head nurse in the otolaryngology/plastic surgery patient care division and intensive care unit. She joined the Washington University School of Medicine in 1995 as nursing and clinical administrator for the Department of Neurosurgery, and in 1998 began work for the Faculty Practice Plan, completing her career as senior director of scheduling services and service quality. Kelley was known for her gentle manner, her tireless efforts for the best care of patients and staff alike, and her incredible attention to the details of making people around her more comfortable. Beloved by her many professional friends and her family – all of whom knew her amazing devotion, she will be greatly missed.
Kelley was preceded in death by grandparents Harry and Mildred Boss and John and Lillian Mullen.
She is survived by her loving parents, Michael and Constance Mullen, her sister Michele Steele and husband David, all of Salem, brothers Patrick and wife Patty of The Woodlands, Texas, Father Godfrey of Evansville, Indiana, and John and wife Jan of Brownsburg, Indiana. She was an outstandingly attentive aunt to Michael and wife Jenna, Jacob and wife Nina, Thomas, Tory and husband Aleks, Christopher, Joseph, Ryan, John, Joshua, and Patrick, especially with “picking days” when she’d buy them gifts. Her great nephews and niece, Benjamin, Luke, William, Emily, Jack, and Domenick will also miss her attentive care. She is survived by hundreds of fellow health care workers who counted working with Kelley a privilege.
Visitation will take place from 5:30 to 7:30PM on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa St., St. Louis. Visitation will also take place from 9:00 to 10:45AM on Friday, May 24, 2019 at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 812 W. Main St., Salem, IL. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00AM at St. Theresa, Salem. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Godfrey, IL.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 812 W. Main St., Salem, IL 62881 or Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132
The family extends their gratitude to all who have shown kindness during this difficult time.
