Marlis Kelleher Obituary (1944 - 2019)

South Portland-Marlis Kelleher, 75, of Osprey Circle, died, Friday, April 5, 2019, at Maine Medical Center. She was born in Berlin, Germany, on January 19, 1944, a daughter of Kurt C. Sr. and Margaret (Brune) Muller. She was educated in German schools and immigrated to the United States in 1960. She raised her three children in Scarborough then worked as a CNA at Brighton Osteopathic Hospital and local nursing homes. Marlis had a kind, caring nature and enjoyed helping her neighbors, canning, knitting and crocheting, anime, and Korean soap operas. She was celebrated for her ability to replicate her mother's recipe and produce the perfect whipped cream cake. Friends of her sons noted that Marlis had mastered the art of dispensing inspirational tough love to her boys when they were within earshot, only to ensure that all others understood how proud she was of them the moment they were not. She is predeceased by a sister, Renate Muller Hamilton; and a brother, Wolfgang G. Muller. She is survived by three sons, Joseph C. Kelleher and wife Laura of St. Albans, John Joseph Patrick Kelleher III and partner Kathleen Coyne of Scarborough, and Daniel Patrick Kelleher and wife Lynn Kelleher of Scarborough; sister, Marion C. McGowan and husband James of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, brother, Kurt C. Muller Jr. and wife Lynn of Scarborough and sister, Cornelia Muller of Scarborough; three grandchildren, Evan Kelleher, Kennedy Kelleher, and John Joseph Patrick Kelleher IV; special friend, Gerrie Pallang of Westbrook; and several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours celebrating Marlis' life will be held on Thursday, April 11, from 3-7 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 12, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth. To view Marlis' memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.conroytullywalker.com. Those desiring may make a memorial contribution to the: American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.