Mary J. Kelly-Truran

Mary J. Kelly-Truran (née Wisniewski) of Marlton, NJ, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 31 after having suffered through a 10-month health ordeal.

Mary was born on January 21, 1950 in Dover, NJ to Bronslow and Anna (Piez) Wisniewski and grew up with three close sisters, Ruthann, Sandra (Sandy), and Barbara (Barbie). She graduated from Roxbury High School in 1968 and continued her studies at Orange Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (now defunct) in Orange, NJ. Upon obtaining her nursing license, she married her first husband and moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where they put down roots and welcomed three wonderful children, Katie, Sara, and Patrick. As with many marriages during that time, her first marriage ended in divorce, with Mary moving with the children to Cherry Hill, NJ to be closer to her family. Upon their move to NJ, Mary became a certified urological registered nurse (CURN), working many years within the Our Lady of Lourdes and West Jersey Hospital Systems. After she and the kids were settled in their new surroundings, and Mary with her career, she met and fell in love with who would become her second husband, Paul Truran, at Katie O’Brien’s in Haddon Twp while enjoying a night out with friends. With all three children shifting into adulthood, Mary and Paul continued their life together and landed in Collingswood, NJ. They enjoyed traveling with friends, raising their dogs, Emmett and Emily, and celebrating the many milestones with their kids and grandkids. Mary and Paul also loved catching up with old friends while grabbing a beer and a bite at a few local spots, but especially Outback in Marlton.

In the early 2000s, Mary parlayed her nursing experience into a second career of auditing cancer research with the American College of Radiology and the University of Pennsylvania, upon retiring in 2021. Along with her nursing and research careers, Mary wasn’t a stranger to a second (or third) job to keep herself busy or make ends meet. One such job was at Springdale Farms in Cherry Hill where she worked for more than 20 years in various capacities. She truly loved her time at Springdale and always looked forward to going back each season. Most recently, upon retirement, Mary was enjoying working part time as a teacher’s aide at Paine (Cherry Hill) School.

Appropriately so since she was on the cheer squad with Roxbury High School, Mary is remembered for being the best cheerleader anyone could ask for, especially for her children and grandchildren. She never missed a chance to see her son, Patrick, perform. She could regularly be seen in the grandstands at her grandsons’ many sports endeavors. And if not there, she could be found sitting around the kitchen island catching up on the many accomplishments from her daughters, Katie and Sara, as they successfully navigated their careers. She was quick to brag about her three children and two grandchildren. She was happiest when doing so.

Mary is survived by her beloved children Katie (Erik) of Marlton, Sara (Jon) of Parkville, MD, and Patrick (David and Jim) of Chicago, IL; her stepchildren Elaine Vellutato (Art) of Malvern, PA, Mary Francis Warther (Rick) of West Chester, PA, Paul J. Truran, Jr. (Nancy) of Winterville, NC, and Kevin (Kathy) Truran of Cherry Hill; her cherished grandchildren Rex and Henry, both of Marlton; her sisters Sandra (Richard) of Manahawkin and Ruthann of Cherry Hill; her loyal dog, Bob; and numerous nieces, nephews, and loyal friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul, sister Barbara (Barbie), and infant grandson, Jack.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewings on Wednesday evening, August 6th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the BOCCO FUNERAL HOME, 1300 North Kings Hwy., Cherry Hill, NJ and Thursday morning, August 7th from 9:00AM to 10:00AM at The Catholic Church of St. Mary’s, 2001 Springdale Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00am Thursday in Church. Interment Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) in Mary’s honor.