Remembering UND Law Professor Emerita Marcia O'Kelly 1934-2012

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

2-15-2012

Campus Unit

School of Law

Abstract

Marcia O'Kelly, professor emerita at the University of North Dakota School of Law, died Feb. 13.

O'Kelly was born on June 3, 1934 in Indianapolis, Ind., to Mayer and Elizabeth (nee Herz) Levin. She died at home in Arlington Heights, Ill., surrounded by her children.

O'Kelly began teaching at UND in 1973 as a visiting assistant professor. She retired as professor emerita in 2001. She specialized in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Employment Discrimination, Family Law and Women and the Law.

She earned her bachelor's degree at Northwestern University in 1955, her law degree at UND in 1971, and her master of laws degree at George Washington University in 1980.

On being admitted to the North Dakota bar in 1971, she worked as a small claims court referee and in private legal practice in Grand Forks until 1973.

After her retirement, O'Kelly was a member of the Village of Arlington Heights Senior Citizens Commission from 2008 to 2011. She also volunteered with the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County for many years.

O'Kelly is survived by her children, Liz (Tom Kivlahan) O'Kelly and Peter (Kerry) O'Kelly; her grandchildren, Erin O'Kelly, Stephen O'Kelly, Katherine O'Kelly, and Chris Kivlahan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard O'Kelly; her son, Christopher O'Kelly; her sister, Alice Blum, and her parents.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m, Saturday, February 25, 2012 at The Grand Station, 101 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. Inurnment at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 or www.metropolisarts.com.

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