Cathy Kelly

Cathy Kelly of Blenheim passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at the Chatham-Kent Hospice in the early morning hours of February 11, 2023.  She will be forever loved by her daughter Kristen Griffiths (B.J.) and their daughters Henley and Frankie, by her step-children Jenny Attewell (Lee), Scott Kelly (Cheryl), Jay Kelly (Heather), the late Kim Wammes (Ed) and their families, which include grandchildren Darrell Lackie (Maria), Jamie Lackie (Amanda), Greg Lackie (Lindsay), Bradon Kelly, Nathan Kelly (Emily) and Kaitlyn Kelly as well as her great-grandchildren Devin, Connor, Daelyn, Quinn and Noah.  She was predeceased by her great-grandson Carter. 

Cathy was born in Windsor 77 years ago to the late Howard & Doris Counter.  She is survived by her twin sister Carolyn Curtis (Bob Carson) and her extended family Pat Gillett (late Bud), the late Ron Shepley (Audrey), Judy Cummings (late Garry) and Gerry Shepley.  Predeceased by Bill & Emily Shepley.  

In 1979 she married Ted Kelly who predeceased her in 1995 and her family grew again to include his siblings Jack Kelly (Carol), the late Kathleen Bergey (late Bob), the late Ken Kelly (Carol), Joan Horvat (late John), Helen Morehouse (Wally), Liz Kacer (Carl), Mary Lee Hamilton (Bob) and Junior Kelly (Cathy).  She was also predeceased by Ted’s parents Marvin & Olive Kelly.  Cathy is survived by many nieces and nephews.     

Cathy’s working career was spent as a Registered Nurse in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham between the ICU and Recovery Units.  After her retirement she joined the Blenheim Community Village.  She made many friends over the years and still enjoyed “nursing friends’ luncheons”.  In her early years, Cathy was a dedicated Girl Guides leader.  Throughout her life, she enjoyed travelling to many corners of the world, shopping for the perfect piece of jewellery and attending theatres in Toronto with Kristen, Carolyn and Shannon.  At home, she was content to curl up with a good book, make cards and scrapbook or needlepoint.  She loved gardening and sitting in her gazebo, admiring the beauty of the world.  She also loved animals, especially dogs. Most of all she loved her family and many family gatherings. 

Cathy’s family extends a heartfelt thanks to the EMS, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and Chatham-Kent Hospice staff for the kindness shown to her in her final days.  Special thanks to Dr. Heather Milkovic, Dr Mosey and Dr. Miller. 

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday February 13, 2023 where visitation will take place from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  Cremation will follow and a Celebration of Cathy’s life will take place at a later date. 

Friends wishing to remember Cathy with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Pet & Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/ or the Chatham-Kent Hospice  https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ .