02/19/2025
Ernestine “Kelly” Agnes Pacholski, age 93, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep at St. Mary’s Nursing Home in Manitowoc on February 14, 2025. Kelly was born on September 13th, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois.
At a young age, Kelly contracted Polio losing the use of her left leg, which impacted her life in several ways. She needed a full leg brace and crutches for mobility. Not yet sure how to navigate the world around her, she was blessed to have the love and support of the Felician Sisters and especially Sister Nathaniel. At St. Hedwig's Orphanage, the bond between them grew over the years and Kelly looked to Sister Nathaniel as a “mother” figure which helped to shape the person she became.
Kelly lived independently and worked at Abbott Laboratories in Waukegan, Illinois for many years. She enjoyed her time in the corporate world, but she felt something was missing. Kelly was a dedicated Roman Catholic first and foremost. Kelly realized how much she missed Sister Nathaniel. She decided to move into St. Mary’s to be near her and was able to spend the last years of Sister Nathaniel’s life before her passing in 1988.
As Kelly settled into her new surroundings at St. Mary's, her life became even more enriched with the Felician Sisters, Priests, and residents that she interacted with daily. Kelly developed a strong bond with Sister Claude, who became the Administrator of St. Mary’s Home and Felician Village. They, too, were very close until Sister Claude’s passing in 2021.
During that time, Kelly worked for St. Mary's at the front desk for many years, providing administrative tasks for The Towers of St. Mary’s. Known for her ever-present smile, Kelly was the first to welcome new residents and families to Felician Village. As she would greet people, she would tell them that living at The Gardens was wonderful. Little did Kelly know at that time, she would become the resident who lived at The Gardens the longest--close to 50 years of her life.
Kelly was a sports enthusiast...whether it was watching it on TV, or holding a little hand held radio to follow the games. Football was her one true sport. She was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan- GO, PACK, GO!! For Kelly’s 90th birthday, she went to Lambeau Field for the very first time...she was the life of the party.
Kelly liked zipping around in her electric wheelchair acknowledging everyone she would see in the hallway getting her mail and checking out what was for lunch at the Café and Bistro. Also her love of SWEETS, along with that little giggle offering a piece to whoever was in her presence at that time. She always had chocolate and hard candy to pass along hoping to make someone’s day a little brighter.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Kelly never wavered in her faith, love for her family and friends or her commitment to living life fully. Kelly’s positivity and resilience in the face of adversity was an inspiration to everyone she met.
Kelly’s kindness, generosity, and love for her family and friends will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. She believed in building relationships and memories that stand the test of time.
Kelly is survived by her loving family Patricia, Ken & Sharon, Justine & Bob, and Kimmy. This gentle, loving, caring and wonderful woman has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be truly missed.
Her friends will miss her dearly, especially Kelly’s knack for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. To her lifelong friends...Mary, Donna, Harriet, Dorothy and Karen.
Kelly was preceded in death by her parents Agnes and Paul, and her two brothers.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Mary’s Nursing home for their caring support. In addition, we would like to thank HomeCare Health for their attentive care over the past year.
Kelly was blessed with Hospice angels Nurse, Nikki, and CNA, Jill.
Those who knew Kelly, even just a little, lost a shining light in their lives. Kelly’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met.
Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory. Visitation will be held at the Blessed Angela Chapel at Felician Village, 1635 S. 21st Street, Manitowoc, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass, officiated by Rev. Richard Klingeisen, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Manitowoc. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to HomeCare Health Services & Hospice.
