Zita Jean Kelly

Zita Kelly, 86, of Charlottesville, VA passed away peacefully on May 10, 2018. She was born on October 20, 1931 to Carol and Caroline Stanislawski in Detroit, MI. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Padraic Kelly. Zita was a loving mother of nine children, eighteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, nurturing all with great care and kindness. Zita’s cooking and sewing skills brought her family great joy through the years. Zita hosted festive holiday gatherings that her family and friends relished. Zita especially loved caring for her newborn grandchildren. Zita had a special love of dogs, particularly for Anna, who was her close companion for many years. Zita graduated from Mercy College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She specialized in geriatric care and worked for the Charlottesville School District caring for students in need. Zita was a devout Catholic and member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Zita was an active member in the rosary prayer group, which she used as her strength. Zita enjoyed being a Eucharistic Minister and would travel to hospitals and nursing homes to bring the sacrament to those who could not attend church. Zita had a generous heart, supporting Maryknoll, Covenant House, and many other missionaries. The family will receive friends on May 25 at Teague Funeral Home from 5pm to 8pm. A funeral service will be conducted on May 26 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Fund, at alz.org in honor of Zita Kelly.