Strong. Elegant. Empathetic. Loving. Fierce. Brave. Brilliant. Loyal. Beautiful. These words seem inadequate to describe Jennifer Kelly, a woman who was utterly loved and adored by those who knew her, and who passed peacefully on Friday, Feb. 16.
Jennifer was the daughter of the late Colette (Pelletier), and Terry and Diane Kelly. She was a loving sister to Francine Kelly-Emard (Robin), Jill Kelly (Steve Massolin), Cindy Delfgou (Marcel), Francine Ethier, Marie Ethier (Ray Baillargeon) and John Ethier (Chantel Cole). She was Auntie to Drew (Bubba), Mikael, Madison, Sawyer, Henry, McKenzie, Lexi, Lileigh, Jacob, Bella, Hailey, Hannah, Emily, and Ava.
Jen had an eye for seeing beauty in the world and in the people around her. She had an unrivalled appreciation for art, literature, movies, and music. She loved dancing, and especially enjoyed a spontaneous interpretive dance. She always wanted to be out and around people. She lived for good food, good drink, riveting discussions, and the company of family and friends.
Jen had the heart of an angel and a mind like a steel trap. If she disagreed with you, she’d let you know by engaging in a feisty debate (often with eye-rolls and sarcasm) in which she would rarely admit defeat. She was a fierce protector who loved hard and was always ready to take on a fight for a cause she believed in or for those she considered hers.
Teaching wasn’t just a job to Jen, it was her passion. She often worked while receiving treatment because she worried that they would miss too much French. Jen wanted to be at school as much as she could because she loved her time with her students and colleagues.
Family was extremely important to Jen. As reserved as she may have been, she recognized the palpable and unwavering love and support of the Kelly and Pelletier families, whether in their presence or not. Although Jen had no children of her own, she adored her nephews and nieces infinitely, and was an honorary Auntie to many of her friends’ children. Jen was the fun Aunt who doted on them and never missed an opportunity to tell them they were loved.
Friends were an integral part of Jennifer’s life, and she had multitudes. Jen was compassionate and empathetic. She could know someone for an hour and care for them as if she’d known them all her life. It drew people to her. Her loyalty to her friends was an anchor that held them steady and safe. She never wanted to burden anyone with her problems but was always ready to fight for those she loved.
Jen battled cancer for the last nine years but refused to let it define her. She hated being called a warrior, although she fought hard with a smile on her face every day and rarely, if ever, complained. Instead, she decided to live: to travel to far away places; to see concerts; to visit museums; and to surround herself with the beauty and love of family and friends. Jennifer often spoke about how hard it is to leave this world better than she left it, but she did just that by showing us how to live boldly and love fiercely. Her absence in this world has gutted us, but we will strive to move forward with love and appreciation because she would expect nothing less. In fact, she would demand it.
Jennifer’s life will be honoured Saturday Feb. 24. Interment at 1 p.m. at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (please meet at the cemetery chapel for 12:50 p.m. if you wish to attend), followed by a Celebration of Life at Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre from 2-5 p.m. Friends and family are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, Jennifer’s family would appreciate donations to Tracy’s Dream (payable by cheque only), The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (https://supportthepmcf.ca/ui/DonateNow/donations/start) or Sault Area Hospital Foundation (https://www.sahfoundation.com/donate).
”Fairies, come take me out of this dull world,
For I would ride with you upon the wind,
Run on the top of the dishevelled tide,
And dance upon the mountains like a flame.”
- William Butler Yeats
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).