Nancy Kelliher

Nancy Jane (Seeley) Kelliher was welcomed home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Born on August 15, 1942 in Viroqua, Wisconsin to Raymond and Pauline Fernette.  Her mother Pauline later married Raymond Seeley who raised Nancy with love since infancy. She was raised alongside her sister Judy (Pat) Burns, brother Raymond (Yvonne) Seeley and youngest sister Jeanette Cass.  She graduated from Central High School in Madison, Wisconsin in 1960 where she was a member of the Homecoming Court and the Chairman of the Social Committee. She married her High School sweetheart Raymond “Mac” Kelliher in 1962 and attended Beauty School and then worked as a beautician.  She raised 4 children.  Randy Kelliher, Steve (Melissa) Kelliher, Marvel (Brad) Browne and Raymond “Mark” - deceased (Johna) Kelliher.  She was a loving and compassionate grandmother to James, Nolan (Ella), Madison Olstad, Mason, Aydin, Aspin Jada Kelliher and a bonus or step-grandma to Austin Ryan along with Payton and Madilyn Browne.  She even had bonus great grandchildren Linkyn and Maesyn Ryan.  She cared deeply for all her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who all shared in loving her right back.

Nancy was a woman who strongly believed in God.  She shared scripture, hymns, prayer and Godly advice in almost every conversation.  After every encounter, you would feel blessed to have engaged with her. Her laughter was infectious and her genuine kindness left you feeling grateful and loved. Her parting words as you left would always be “God Bless You”.  Her song filled our home with hymns like “He Walks With Me and He Talks With Me”, “Jesus Loves Me”, “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, “How Great Thou Art” and many more.  She shared her amazing artistic talents with others.  Her religious themed oil paintings and large full wall murals adorned many homes and churches.  She loved to bake and her best recipes were her homemade apple pies, brownies and chocolate chip cookies.  Her favorite treat was a snickers bar.  

As a young adult she began her challenge with mental illness where she battled valiantly to always do what was right in God's eyes. She had a true and complete devotion to her faith and the Lord Savior Jesus Christ.

Nancy is preceded in death by her son Raymond “Mark” Kelliher, Ex-husband Raymond Kelliher, Nieces Sally Huegel-Kelliher and Mary Kelliher, Nancee Elbe, Mother, Pauline Seeley, Step-Father Raymond Seeley and Father Raymond Fernette 

On behalf of Nancy, her family would like to offer our utmost gratitude for all the caregivers who aided in her care in her elder years.  A special debt of gratitude goes to the staff at Sylvan Crossing in Waunakee where she made a lasting impression on each of the staff and her family knew how well she was loved and taken care of.  The family would also like to offer their gratitude to the staff at Bristol Hospice who made this life transition filled with support and dignity.

Services for Nancy will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704 on Thursday, October 9, 2025.  The family welcomes visitors from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, with a Funeral Service at 12:00 pm.  A graveside burial service will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens, 7302 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53717 after the Funeral Service.

The family finds peace in knowing that Nancy now rests in the presence of her Savior and that her legacy of love and faith will continue for generations to come.

“The Lord is my shepherd” ~ Psalm 23

To view this obituary or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralseravice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257