Mary Kelley

Mary Elizabeth Kelley of New Brunswick, NJ, died peacefully and surrounded by family and friends on December 30, 2023. Marybeth was born on June 29, 1941, in Lawrence, Mass., to Arthur and Mary Lebreck. She grew up in Andover, Mass., and attended St. Augustine School and Nazareth Academy. Marybeth earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston College and went on to receive her master’s degree in educational administration from State College at Salem as well as a master of science in nursing from Seton Hall University.

Marybeth was Dean of the Trinitas School of Nursing for over 40 years (formerly the Elizabeth General Medical Center). She was widely known as a visionary educational leader, who made enduring and substantial contributions to nursing education. Early on she had her vision of the future of nursing education, which then became her mission, and she was ‘scary powerful in the execution of her mission’. She was among the first nursing professionals to be named a Fellow of the National League for Nursing and is also a recipient of a Nurse Recognition Award from the New Jersey League for Nursing. Marybeth also received the Visionary Leadership Award and an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Saint Elizabeth University.

Marybeth is survived by her sons Todd of New Jersey, and Michael and his wife, Tate, of Oregon. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Mae Elizabeth and Finley. Marybeth also leaves behind siblings Michael Lebreck (Pamela) of Mass., and Jane Lebreck of Delaware. Marybeth was predeceased by sisters Ann Hopkins of New Hampshire, and Patricia Cundari of Virginia, and by brother Arthur Lebreck of Connecticut.

Her family and many friends will remember MB for her big heart, willingness to help others, being fiercely loyal, and paving her own way for herself and many others to follow.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours at the Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home 2124 E St Georges Ave, Linden, NJ on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM. For additional information, please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marybeth’s memory may be made to the Sisters of Charity Saint Elizabeth, https://www.scnj.org