Born Mary Angelus Scanlan on March 25, 1938, Molly Kelly died on August 14, 2025 after a steady decline in health.

The obituary (see below or click here) provides some details on Molly's life and work.  Her husband, Jim, died from hitting a tree while sledding on a "Getaway Weekend" in February 1975.  He remained conscious for about an hour while, as a radiologist, he read his own x-rays and realized that he would not likely survive.

In 1972, while living in Philadelphia, Jim commenced his leadership in the pro-life movement by drafting, promoting and publishing the original "Physicians Statement on Abortion" (see below or click here).

In an effort to spiritually remain close to Jim and continue his pro-life advocacy, Molly became a frequent speaker on pro-life issues with Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Southeast.  Molly demonstrated much joy, humor, and wit in presenting detailed, yet easily understandable, presentations on issues regarding the sanctity of human life.

Molly also provided leadership in organizing new outreaches for the pro-life movement.  In addition to personally housing expectant mothers, from 1982 to 1989, she regularly invited leaders, including physicians, of Philadelphia area pregnancy resource centers to her home in Mount Airy.  These meetings led to the establishment of the "Delaware Valley Pro-Life Alliance" and she oversaw the annual publishing of their brochure.

The Pro-Life Educational Foundation also began after a series of meetings in her home to spread the pro-life message through the public media.  Molly agreed to serve as the Founding President.  In 2000, this Foundation, again with Molly's leadership, launched Generation Life.

The obituary summarizes Molly's leadership and achievements in chastity education.  Her launch of these efforts, in the 1980s, required significant insight and courage.  She led in addressing the "Elephant in the Room" that, since about 90% of abortions are committed on unmarried women, encouraging young people to live chastely would (and did) significantly reduce abortions.  Many in the pro-life movement did not initially embrace chastity education as part of the pro-life movement because of their desire to focus on "saving babies" and a (proven false) belief that the alleged "unpopularity" of chastity would "turn off" some from the pro-life message.

The obituary reviews the many honors that Molly received.  The poem (see below or click here) shows pictures of her with Pope John Paul II and Pa. Gov. Bob Casey, Sr.

In addition to speaking extensively in the Philadelphia area, Molly also spoke in many other states and internationally.  Molly also served on the Board of the Pa. Pro-Life Federation.

Molly and Jim proudly celebrated their Irish heritage.  They named their home "Knockanure" after a valley in County Kerry, Ireland.  Entry to Knockanure came through an old-fashioned castle-like two-part heavy door, which had to be carefully opened.

Until her brain aneurysm in January 2001, Molly hosted an annual very joyous St. Patrick's Day Party at Knockanure, the highlight of which was the "Talent Show Competition," emceed by her brother Ed Scanlan.  The invitation to these Parties would contain Molly's annual St. Patrick's Day poem.  She maintained the tradition of sending these poems through 2025.

For some years after her brain aneurysm, Molly continued her pro-life advocacy with the assistance of Generation Life staff member and The King's Men Founder, Mark Houck.  This medical condition left her with very little short-term memory, so she was no longer able to drive.  However, her long-term memory remained intact, so she was still capable of delivering pro-life and chastity messages.  At a 2002 Generation Life Conference, Molly delivered a highly inspirational message and appeal to young people to continue her work, which some of them did and continue to do.

After leaving Knockanure in Holy Cross Parish in Mount Airy, Molly moved to a small home near St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Horsham.  There, she spent much time praying in the Adoration Chapel and inspiring and encouraging others in the pro-life movement.

Molly spent much of the last year of her life suffering with intense back pain, which resulted in her being moved to a nursing home in Lafayette Hill.  In late July 2025, physicians at Temple Hospital cancelled surgery to relieve this pain because of her frail condition.  She then agreed to be placed on hospice care.

Despite this suffering, Molly maintained her trademark wit.  For example, a long-time friend asked her, "Molly, you'll be a saint someday, so can I have a lock of your hair?"  Molly replied, "Ok, after I shave my legs tonight."

Please pray for Molly's Heavenly intercession for others to continue her wonderful and highly effective work.

Mike McMonagle
215-393-3610