Syrena M. Kelly

Kelly, Syrena M., 94, retired State of Kansas Employment Security Division supervisor, died Sunday, July 9, 2006, after a long illness. Rosary 7:00 P.M. Monday at Downing Lahey East Mortuary, Service 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Wichita. Syrena was born in Tulsa, OK on February 3, 1912 to Michael Francis and Mary Jane Kelly. She spent her childhood and early adult years in Independence, KS where her family had relocated. For 32 years she was employed in Topeka for the State of Kansas Employment Security Division, retiring in 1977. She then moved to Wichita where she remained until her death, residing the last 12 years with her sister Loretta Higgins. Syrena was a very caring and giving person all her life, and happiest when doing for others, never asking anything in return. One of her many missions was assisting the blind with daily needs. Preceded in death by her parents and brother Lawrence, she is survived by a sister, Loretta Higgins of Wichita; 2 nieces, Peggy Johnson of Shawnee Mission, KS, and Sheila Israel of Suwanne, GA; 4 nephews, Patrick Gary Higgins both of Wichita, Bill Kelly of Prairie Village, KS and Kevin Kelly of Paola, KS. Rosary at 7:00 P.M. Monday, Downing Lahey Mortuary East Chapel.