Mary Lenore "Lee" Kelly, an unforgettable journalist whose keen eye for society and politics turned her from a humble society columnist into a force of civic influence, passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday at Brookdale-Westlake Hills. Her passing marks the end of an era for Austin's media scene, as she left an indelible mark on the city’s journalistic landscape.
Known as "Austin’s grand dame of society journalism," Kelly's legacy is rich with stories that shaped the social and political fabric of her community. Kim Tyson Cook, a former reporter at the Austin American-Statesman, shared the news of her passing on Facebook, recounting how just two weeks earlier, Lee had celebrated the 24th anniversary of her first lung transplant. At the time of her passing, Kelly was recognized as one of the longest-living recipients from the San Antonio transplant center, having received a second lung transplant in 2015. However, as Cook pointed out, despite the physical challenges she faced in her later years, Kelly’s spirit was never broken. "She’d be sorely upset to not remind everyone how she lived," Cook added.
Born in 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland, Kelly grew up in a family of prominence. The only daughter of a Pontiac car dealership executive and a stay-at-home mother, she had three brothers. Kelly’s love for horses and the outdoors was evident early on, as she cared for her horse Dandy and participated in local horse shows. Even as a young girl, she showed an innate talent for storytelling, creating her own neighborhood newspaper. While still in high school, she began writing articles for the Baltimore News-American, showcasing a budding passion for journalism that would define her career.
Her commitment to Catholicism was a constant in her life. Kelly attended Maryvale, a Catholic girls' school, where she became a lifelong donor. She continued her education at Notre Dame College (now Notre Dame of Maryland University) in Baltimore, before embarking on her career in journalism. Her first full-time newspaper job took her to the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, where she quickly gained recognition as a religion reporter. Her hard work was rewarded with a national award for religion writers, a testament to her talent and dedication.
In 1977, Kelly made the move to Austin, joining the American-Statesman shortly after it was acquired by Cox Enterprises. The newspaper was undergoing a transformation, with aspirations of becoming a serious metro paper, and Kelly was right there in the thick of it. Her reporting on religion and the University of Texas quickly earned her respect, but it was her role as a society columnist that solidified her place in Austin’s journalistic history.
It was during this time that Kelly began to delve into the lives of the city's wealthiest and most influential figures. Despite leading a relatively quiet personal life, she was a fixture at high-profile parties, charity events, and political gatherings. She rubbed elbows with luminaries like Lady Bird Johnson, former Austin Mayor Roy Butler, and even Queen Elizabeth when she visited Austin. Kelly’s deep connections within the community were integral to her ability to report on the movers and shakers of the city. "She came to personally know luminaries such as Lady Bird Johnson and former Austin Mayor Roy Butler, attending events both in their homes and at charity fundraisers," Cook noted.
In her prime, Kelly was an incredibly dogged reporter, always on the hunt for the next scoop. Former Statesman editor Ed Crowell fondly remembered Kelly’s persistence, saying, "She would never give up and found many ways to get news about influential Austinites into the paper." Her phone was always ringing, and she was known to work the social scene, never missing an opportunity to gather information and break a story. Her ability to cultivate sources and track down leads made her an invaluable asset to the newspaper.
However, as her career blossomed, Kelly’s health took a dramatic turn. In the mid-1990s, she was diagnosed with a lung condition that ultimately led to the need for a transplant. A heavy smoker during much of her career, Kelly’s health struggles did not diminish her journalistic spirit. She took a leave of absence to undergo surgery but was never able to return to the newsroom, despite her plans to do so. Her absence from the Statesman marked the end of an era in Austin’s media world.
Even after leaving the paper, Kelly remained a beloved figure in Austin’s social circles. Philanthropist Dick Rathgeber, a close friend, would often cook her a ham for her birthday, and longtime friends like Jane Sibley of the Austin Symphony continued to attend her small birthday parties. Kelly's circle of friends included a diverse group of individuals, ranging from early Austin tech guru Bobby Inman to priests at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, where she once attended.
Kelly remained deeply engaged with the American-Statesman in her later years. She was known to carefully read the paper daily and would call out reporters when she felt a story was lacking. Her critical eye and passion for journalism never waned. Former editor Melissa Segrest praised Kelly as a trailblazer for Texas women journalists, noting her kindness, work ethic, and commitment to excellence. “Her health challenges serve as an inspiration to never give up!” Segrest wrote.
In her personal life, Kelly found joy in the company of her dachshunds, including Silky, Zorro, Maybelle, Oscar, and Rosie. Her affection for these dogs was well-known, and she was a regular supporter of the Buda Wiener Dog Races. As her health declined, friends rallied around her. Mary Ann Roser, a former Statesman journalist, would take her out shopping, while Michael Merrick, another close friend, drove her to San Antonio for her transplant checkups.
As Kelly’s life came to a close, she expressed a desire for people to donate to the Central Texas Dachshund Rescue in her memory, as well as to the schools she cherished, Maryvale and Notre Dame in Baltimore. Her final wish was a reflection of the deep affection she had for both her beloved dogs and the institutions that had shaped her life.
Kelly’s legacy is one of hard work, determination, and deep community ties. She was more than just a journalist; she was a fixture of Austin’s social and political scene. Her family has announced plans for a memorial service in Baltimore, where she will be laid to rest in the family plot. As for any memorials in Austin, those details are still pending.
Diane Holloway, a former Statesman journalist, fondly recalled her first outing in Austin, after moving here from Washington, D.C., when Kelly insisted on taking her to the historic but "tawdry" Alamo Hotel for a drink. As Holloway noted, Kelly’s ability to point out the city’s VIPs in such a down-to-earth way was part of what made her legendary.
Kelly’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to journalism, her love for her community, and her deep personal connections. She was a true legend, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
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