Sara Maynard Kelly, beloved wife, mother and friend to many, passed away August 16, 2024. Sara was born October 1, 1926 in Tupelo, Mississippi to George and Margaret Maynard. She and her 4 siblings were raised by their parents with much love. Sara left her home to attend Maryville College in St. Louis, Missouri. It was in St Louis that she met her husband, Patrick Joseph Kelly. Sara and Pat married in 1950 and lived happily together until his passing in 2012.

Sara, known as Sugar to many, was a remarkable woman who lived a life full of gratitude and joy. She was a loving and fun mother, who along with her husband Pat, raised 8 happy children. Sara valued time with family taking yearly trips back to Mississippi keeping the ties to her parents and siblings strong. She enjoyed teaching all her children the game of tennis as soon as they each could hold a racket and played an important part in starting up girls tennis at Lourdes High School in the 1970's.

When not on the tennis court Sara and her family spent most of their time between their home in Rochester MN and the cabin in northern Wisconsin. She loved organizing family reunions that were eventually replaced with the weddings of her many grandchildren.

In retirement Sara and Patrick lived in Naples, Florida until 2000 when they returned to Minnesota to enjoy their remaining years near their children. Throughout her long and full life she remained close to God.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, George and Margaret Maynard, her husband Patrick and siblings George Maynard, Margaret Baker, Molly Burd and Robert Maynard.

Sara is survived by her 8 children: Patrick (Karen) Kelly of Farmington, MN; C. Michael (Lisa) Kelly of Hayward, WI; Robert (Sue)  Kelly of Fountain Hills, AZ; Peggy (Mike) Mesarchik of Apple Valley, MN; Kathleen (Kevin) Persuitti of St Paul, MN; Sara (Don) Miller of Sarona, WI; Nancy Kelly of Minneapolis, MN; John (Jane) Kelly of Rochester, MN.

22 grandchildren: Krissy Moore (Matt), Katherine Eytalis (Luke), Courtney Koehler (Brian), Jaclyn Kelly (Nathan), Patrick Kelly, C. Michael II Kelly (Shun), Kevin Kelly, Megan Kelly (Tyler), Katie Hench (Lindsey), Molly Kelly (Nick), John Kelly, Sara Mesarchik (Scott), Maggie Hoppe (Scott), Joseph Mesarchik (Amanda), Tony Persuitti (Brianna), Lisa Persuitti-Huber (Max), Kevin Persuitti, Anna Kuledge (Josh), Grace Miller, Ali Miller, Aaron Kelly, Shealan Schutt (Jace).

23 great-grandchildren with one on the way: Emily, Hartleigh, Eleanor, Jackson, Lola, Dakota, Colette, Alex, Charles, Rocco, Harvey, Deacon, Elsie, Josie, Theo, WInston, River, Violet, Maeve, Evren, Tony II, Josie and Patrick.

The family would like to express gratitude to Seasons Hospice and especially Josh, primary hospice nurse for Mom. We are thankful for Mom's caregivers who made it possible for her to live in her own home with their loving support, Kathy, Kerry, Anita, Rhonda, Kim, Sara, Pat and Marni.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held Monday, August 26th from 4-7 PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday.  Memorials to the charity of choice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com