Mary Therese Kelly

The family and friends of Mary Therese (Ryan) Kelly mourn the loss of their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, dear friend and a very IRISH lass at the age of 93 years on April 11, 2025, in Syracuse NY.

Born December 19, 1931, to Frederick and Arline Ryan in Syracuse, NY. She was a 1949 graduate of Most Holy Rosary High School, Syracuse NY. She was one of only a few women attending the newly opened Jesuit institution, LeMoyne College of Syracuse, NY and earned her Bachelor's degree. She was on the cheer leading squads and thoroughly enjoyed watching sports -a trait she passed on to all her children.

She married fellow LeMoyne alumna, Ross Bassett Moquin in 1955. Together with six children they navigated family life in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. Duty stations included Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Bethesda, Maryland. After the Navy the family relocated to York PA.

The Catholic tradition with the principle of community service was foundational to her Jesuit education. These ideals were imparted to her children. Mary Therese modeled service in her many volunteer functions at Bethesda Naval Hospital. She was active in the Naval Officer Wive’s Auxiliary and led the Junior Army Navy Guild Organization, (military version of the Candy Stripers). The goal of her service was to provide care to the Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen hospitalized during the Vietnam War.

In her younger days she experienced bigotry against the Irish. She made sure her children learned there is no room in the world for racial or any other type of discrimination. She made certain that her children were aware of and supported the civil rights movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. She also volunteered her time at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and School, Rockville, MD. She juggled her volunteer activities with the schedules of six very active children.

In 1994, she moved to Freeport, New York where she met and married Michael Kelly where they lived happily until his death in 2002.

In 2003 she moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia where she once again established a life of service and forging friendships. She was an Extraordinary Minister for many years at St. Mary’s Church as well as part of the Crafts Club supporting fundraising efforts. Her tenacity and courage facing her own challenges led to her to work with Mental Health America in Fredericksburg, a resource center for citizens needing mental health support that includes a vibrant Senior Visitor Program.

Mary Therese devoted many volunteer hours to the Radiation Oncology Department of Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

She remained active in her parish attending daily Catholic Mass until age 91 when her health began to fail.

The family is very grateful for the wonderful care she received at the Hughes Home in Fredericksburg.

In 2023 she returned to her hometown Syracuse and entered Sunnyside Nursing Home. She was given extremely compassionate care for which the family is most grateful. She was beloved by fellow residents and staff.

Her legacy at the nursing home was the “Irish Shenanigans” party she organized and sponsored. The “Shenanigans” was the 2025 St. Patrick’s celebrations for her fellow residents and her family to include her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The event was replete with Irish music, activities, Irish food and Celtic dancers. Mary Therese was able to watch her very young great grandchildren dance for her.

Mary Therese was a skilled seamstress, an excellent dancer, and a wonderful cook. Sunday family dinner featured her famous roast beef and mashed potatoes. She was an avid reader and made sure her children were exposed to all types of literature. A fond memory is the frequent one mile walk with all six children, 8 and under, to the library. The walk involved crossing a busy road, like the mother duck herding her little ducklings-the fact that she didn’t have a car did not stop her.

She is survived by her six children: Michelle Porthouse (Paul) of Fredericksburg, VA; Ross R. Moquin, M.D. (Mary) of Trippstadt Germany; F. Kevin Moquin, Ph.D. (Pam) of Syracuse, NY; John Paul Moquin (Alana) of Lancaster, PA; Gabrielle Rhoads (Scott) of Enola, PA; and Robert Moquin (Beverly) of Newington, CT. Also survived by her 16 grandchildren: Paul (Nichole), Sean, Christie (Jeff), Sarabeth (Nick), David (Dianaiz), Kevin (Gabriella), Alex, Noah (Alyssa), Zach (Lauren), Joshua, Cole, Deege, Andrew, Kelly (Justin), Megan, and Shannon. Also survived by her 16 great grandchildren: Sofia, Lukas, Mason, Audrey, Grace, Bowie, Teddy, Adaline, Aurora, Jackson, Adelaide, Sienna, Andrea, Elliot, Wesley, and a great- grandson soon to be born. She is survived by her nieces and nephew: Heather Forkey (Joe), Claudia (Mike) Sabatino, and Drew (Natalya) Campbell.

Her beloved sister Rosemary (Ryan) Campbell predeceased her in 2024. She had 4 other siblings pre-decease her in their childhood: Patty Ann, Francis, John, and Mary Adelaide.

Mary Therese was known as a very kind woman who loved her family deeply, cherished her dear friends and coworkers over many years, was deeply devoted in her Catholic Faith, and staunchly proud of her Irish heritage. Mom, the Irish eyes are smiling--you are finally at peace.

Celebration of Life Mass will be April 26, 2025 at Epiphany Parish, 1001 Tulip St., Liverpool, NY 13088 at 1230 pm. Interment service will be held on May 19, 2025 at 12pm at Laurel Hill Memorial Park, 10127 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg, VA. 22553.

Donations in lieu of flowers for Mary Therese Kelly may be made to Le Moyne College for the Campus Cupboard, a food pantry for students. Please designate the Le Moyne College Fund in memory of Mary Therese Kelly or by mail to Le Moyne College Advancement, P. O. Box 527, Syracuse, NY 13214

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Donations may also be made to Mental Health America, Fredericksburg Region Senior Visitor Program, 150 Olde Greenwich Dr., Suite 102 Fredericksburg, VA 22408.

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