Mary Kelly, Derry art teacher, remembered for her 'talent' and 'dedication'
Artist Mary Kelly’s beautiful and significant contribution to church art in Derry and Donegal will be held in grateful memory for generations to come.
Paying tribute to Mary, Fr Michael Canny, the Derry Diocesan media liaison, said: “One of her many interests was in religious art. She created the beautiful Stations of the Cross in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill, delicately drawing and painting the scenes which to this day encourage people to pray and meditate on the final days of Jesus’ life on Earth.
“She later painted the Stations of the Cross in the Church of All Saints, Newtowncunningham, in County Donegal.
“These Stations of the Cross will remain as a lasting reminder of a woman of faith and deep creativity.
“May her gentle soul rest in the peace of Christ,” said Fr Canny.
No doubt Mary created many works of art in her life, as well as inspiring young artists in her gifted teaching.
Mary also painted the striking acrylic panels surrounding the statue of St Anthony which stands in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carndonagh in Inishowen.
The sad news of Mary’s peaceful death in Altnagelvin Hospital was announced on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Late of 17, Fortwilliam Terrace, Derry, Mary was a past pupil of Thornhill College, where she later taught from 1968 until 2002.
As a teacher of Art and later Head of Department, Mary was known for her high standards and expectations for her students and for introducing them to drawing, painting and pottery.
Mary was the beloved daughter of the late Josephine and Jack Kelly and the loving sister of the late Bernard Kelly. She will be sadly missed by all of her cousins in Derry, Belfast and England, and deeply regretted by all of her dear friends, neighbours and carers.
Mary was reposing at the McClafferty Funeral Home and Chapel of Rest on Monday. Her remains will leave there on Tuesday, September 22, at 5.50pm for 6.15pm arrival to St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill to repose overnight. Mary’s Requiem Mass will then take place on Wednesday, September 23, at 10.00am. Burial will take place immediately afterwards in Derry City Cemetery.
Mary’s Requiem Mass can be viewed via this link: https://www.churchservices.tv/carnhill.
Artist Eamon McAteer, a former Thornhill College Art Department colleague of Mary’s described her as “a very talented Art teacher and Head of Art”.
“She put so much into her teaching,” added Mr McAteer. “In class she would have demonstrated her own drawing skills and the girls were always amazed at her talent.
“Mary would have done the scenery and make-up for the school musicals.
“She loved Art History, especially the work of the Old Masters. She taught the history of art as a separate subject, no doubt enriching the pupils knowledge of Art before their world journeys long before the internet.
“Mary did a beautiful painting of the old Thornhill spiral staircase which many past pupils would remember. She also painted beautiful Stations of the Cross for St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill and Church of All Saints, Newtowncunningham, County Donegal.
“Mary wrote many art exhibition reviews for The Derry Journal. She was also involved in the Derry Operatic Society,” said Mr McAteer.
“No doubt Mary created many works of art in her life, as well as inspiring young artists in her gifted teaching,” he added.
Many warm tributes have been paid to Mary by her former pupils on the Thornhill College Past Pupils Facebook Page.
Deirdre Ferguson recalled Mary as, “My favourite teacher (mid 1970s). I always looked forward to art classes and learning about photography in the darkroom. She also taught me how to do stage makeup which I loved. A very talented and dedicated lady. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. A life well lived. May she rest in peace”.
John Gallagher said: “Mary was a great servant to Art in Thornhill and always very sensitive to the needs of her pupils.
“Last time I met her, shortly after she retired, she was up a ladder in the Church in Newtowncunningham, hand-painting the Stations of the Cross. Paix à son âme.”
“Mary was a friend and valued colleague and a dedicated teacher. What a beautiful legacy she left in the wonderful Stations of the Cross in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill,” said Madeline McCully.
Mary Kelly: Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.