Mary Ann Keeley Wooldridge, longtime Wylie and Garland resident, passed away Aug. 30, 2012. She was buried at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Rowlett, Sept. 4. Mary Ann was a descendent of the Keeleys who settled in Wylie in 1888. The Keeleys were Irish Catholic settlers who came to Texas in 1880s working on the railroads. While the Keeleys were in Wylie, their daughter Sarah died and was buried at Saint Paul Cemetery. The family bought 100 acres and settled in Wylie to be near the grave of Sarah Keeley their firstborn child.

Forty-two years later, Mary Ann Keeley was born July 14, 1929, She graduated from GHS, earned her bachelor’s degree from North Texas State and master’s from Stephen F. Austin. Mary Ann was inspired to be a teacher by her Aunt Annie Keeley, for whom Annie Keeley Elementary is named. Mary Ann taught public school for 37 years and was a life member of the National Education Association; president of the local Jaycee-Ettes; president of the Democratic Woman’s Club, precinct chairperson, board member of the Garland Historical Society; charter member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, taught CCD classes; member of the Catholic Daughters; and member of the Altar Society. Mary Ann had a wonderful and blessed life. Mary Ann’s children and grandchildren still live on the old Keeley farm 125 years later.