Marion Helen McKelvie

Marion was born May 23, 1925 in Rochester, N.Y to Francis and Helen (Stone) Bodensteiner where she lived her entire life. She was predeceased by her husband, Alexander S. McKelvie and dear friend, Sr. Jean Catherine Welch.

Marion is survived by her daughter Kathleen (David) English, sons Robert (Debra) McKelvie and Brian McKelvie; her beloved grandchildren Lauren (Jim) Wynne, Mark English, Kevin (Corynn) English, Kyle (Katelyn) McKelvie, Ryan McKelvie, Brianna McKelvie, Ian McKelvie and Danielle McKelvie; her 6 GrandGirls Taylor, Avery and Harper Wynne, Lily and Madelyn English and Addilyn McKelvie all whom she adored! She is also survived by her sister Jane Hartman and brother John Bodensteiner as well as her Friendly Home “family”.

Marion attended St. Joseph’s Business School and worked at Bausch and Lomb as a secretary where she met and married her husband, Alexander McKelvie in 1950. She was a stay-at-home mom and returned to B&L in the later years as a Customer Service Rep until her retirement.

She was a voice student at the Eastman School of Music and around age 20, made a recording of several songs. She had a truly beautiful operatic voice. She used her gift to sing at weddings, special Church celebrations, on stage at the “Balco Reviews”, at her Mother’s nursing home St. Ann’s and she participated in choirs and choruses. She loved to sing and was still singing at the Friendly Home to everyone’s delight! No doubt she has joined the Heavenly Choir of Angels.

Marion loved people, loved to make them happy. She had a kind and sunny disposition. She was a good friend and a caring neighbor. She often baked her famous (and delicious!) shortbread cookies (by the hundreds!) to give away. She loved to knit; made dozens of blankets for family, church baptisms and friends. She loved her flower gardens, her favorite flower being Zinnias. She would save the seeds from the flowers and give them away….it is fact that zinnias from her original seeds are growing in California, Idaho and Chicago ….

Marion loved her Catholic faith. She was a long time, faithful member of St. Helen’s until it closed where she served in a variety of ministries through the years, her favorite being the Choir. She had a special devotion to Mary the Mother of God.

More than anything, Marion loved her family. She was especially happy when they were all together. She would always say “Christmas was her time” and delighted in gifting and preparing a feast! She was always curious and asked questions about those she loved. She so enjoyed pictures and videos of the kids! She always said “love you more” at each good-bye. She will be missed.

Our family is truly grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends and family.

We are grateful to the staff at the Friendly Home, especially those who cared for her on Selden Place, Mom’s neighborhood and to RRH Hospice Care for their compassion and support. The many stories shared by the staff have brought great comfort to us-it is truly amazing and inspiring that even at 99, Mom touched hearts, made her own little corner of the world a better place to be. What a wonderful Legacy! She lived what she taught and we are blessed.

Calling hours for Marion will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave, Rochester, New York 14624. A funeral mass will occur on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Pius Tenth Church, 3010 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624. Marion will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to :

The Friendly Home

Staff Appreciation Fund for Selden Place (please specify on check)

3156 East Ave

Rochester NY 14618

or

Hope Hall School

1612 Buffalo Road

Rochester, N.Y. 14624