Marie J. Kelleher, 88, died at Melrose Wakefield Hospital on Sunday, August 28, 2022 following a brief illness. Born on March 21, 1934 in Melrose, Marie was the daughter of the late Simon J. and Marie A. (Long) Kelleher. A lifelong Melrose resident, Marie was the third generation to reside in their family home on Tappan Street. Marie was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Melrose, class of 1951. She continued her studies at Boston College, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing. Marie was an exceptionally proud BC alum and remained very active at her alma mater throughout her life. She held many elected offices, including Alumni Association Board of Directors and eventually President of the Association, only the second woman at the time to have served in that capacity. Marie remained class of 1955 Treasurer and Class Correspondent until the time of her passing. Marie began her professional career as a staff and charge nurse at St. Margaret's Hospital, Dorchester, MA. She later held faculty positions at both the Malden Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital Schools of Nursing. She also taught at the former Lowell State College and in 1972 accepted a position as one of the founding faculty members in the School of Nursing at Salem State University. After years of dedicated service, Marie retired from Salem State in 1999. An active parishioner at St. Mary of the Annunciation church in Melrose, she was one of the first female Eucharistic Ministers both for Sunday Masses and home visits. In addition, Marie taught religious education classes and served as Cantor and Leader of Song for many years. Marie leaves her cousins, Joseph and Marsha Long and Virginia Plante, and the late Rev. Robert N. Kelleher along with their children and grandchildren. She also leaves many close friends from Melrose, Boston College, and Salem State University. Her family and friends would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful, caring staff at Oosterman's Melrose Rest Home, where Marie resided during the last few years. Also, thanks are extended to her long-term visiting nurse, Jean Bowen, and to the dedicated staff in the ER and ICU at Melrose Wakefield Hospital. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Wednesday September 7, 2022 from 9:00-10:00AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose at 10:30AM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in the Kelleher family lot will follow. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Marie's name to Boston Catholic Television 34 Chestnut Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or to Toys for Tots @ www.toysfortots.org.