In the Spotlight: In Memory of Mary Anne Kelly

Additional Information

For related information please view our quarterly newsletter.
Fall 2009 Newsletter & Annual Program Report July 2008 - June 2009

Archived Articles

03/30/2010 - Jack Flora
03/30/2010 - Carol Gradkowski
03/30/2010 - Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Finali...
03/30/2010 - Service Coordination Expands to Marian P...
03/30/2010 - Relocation Support for Seniors
03/30/2010 - 2010 Quality Improvement Plans Underway
03/30/2010 - Senior Companion Program
03/30/2010 - PSO 2010 Community Partners Concert Feat...
12/28/2009 - In Memory of Mary Anne Kelly
12/28/2009 - 2009 Quality Improvement Plan

Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond lost one of its most ardent senior advocates with the passing of Mary Anne Kelly on July 16, 2009. Ms. Kelly served as the Executive Director for the Southwestern PA Partnership for Aging (SWPPA) since 1994 until her retirement at the end of 2008 due to the illness that ultimately took her life. Her dedication and passion for the poor and the elderly was an inspiration to her colleagues, her students and all who crossed her path.

As the first Executive Director of the Southwestern PA Partnership for Aging, Mary Anne Kelly led SWPPA—now a ten county, 425 member coalition of individuals and groups who are committed to the well being of an aging population—to become the premier aging organization dedicated to changing the culture of aging services. While she worked with those in positions of power and influence, she simultaneously kept contact with those who provided for elders at the community level. Under Mary Anne’s determined and focused watch, SWPPA championed home and community based “culture change” that promotes significant change in service delivery to respond to the changing needs and preferences of older adults.

As described by her family, friends and colleagues, Mary Anne was tenacious, funny, intensely generous and a good friend. She loved what she did and dedicated time to numerous boards, committees, advisory and work groups.

Mary Anne Kelly brought her dedication and expertise not only to SWPPA but to the broader community. The field of aging will benefit from her work for years to come. The older adults of western Pennsylvania and beyond have been blessed to have had her as one of their most tireless advocates.