Stella Kathryn Kelly

Stella Kathryn Kelly (nee Phillipson)
February 23rd, 1949 - September 30th, 2022

It’s near impossible to sum up the life of Stella Kelly in just a few words.

Stella was a Mother (Scott & Sherelle), a sister (Janet & Mark) , a daughter (Norman & Kathleen – deceased), a grandmother (Connor & Rhiannon), a wife (to Richard for 42 years), a musical director (Bayside Harmony Chorus, Grand Harmony Chorus, Overtones Chorus, Grimsby Men’s Chorus)… she has played so many roles in her 73 years, and would have achieved much more if Cancer hadn’t taken her away from us.
She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family, and wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Stella was an avid knitter; if she was sitting, she was knitting. She became a professional knitter at one point, and even went on a few knitting cruises (yes, you read that right), where they would sail the seas, and knit.
She had an infectious smile, was kind and warm to anyone in her vicinity, and never failed to strike up a conversation with anyone (especially if she was outside at a barbershop convention with all of the other smokers).
She starting singing barbershop in 1979, and kept up with the hobby for years, first as a singer, then as a chorus director, teaching others the love of a cappella music. She has changed so many lives through music, and will always be remembered for her positive outlook on everything, her warm, nurturing nature, and contagious spirit.

Stella wasn’t just my mother, but she was my best friend. She believed in everything I put my mind to, and let me fail, and then praised me when I succeeded. She supported my entrepreneurial spirit (I got it from her), and helped me find my own voice in this world (including my singing voice). For everything she ever taught me and showed me, I will be forever grateful.

She touched MANY lives, and will surely be missed by many.
You are now at peace Mama, until we meet again!

Stella was a supporter of small businesses and organizations, as well as loved helping animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Stella's memory. She would be so pleased to know that innocent animals would be saved in her honour.

PAWS is a Canadian Not For Profit organization in their 50th year. This invaluable animal rescue organization is managed by Volunteers who ensure a strict no-kill policy.
You can either send an e-transfer to:
kim@pawscanada.org

To pay via PayPal, please click on the link below, then click the DONATE button on the home page.
Please be sure to mention it's for Stella.
http://pawscanada.org/index.html

Memorial Details:

Date: Sunday, October 23rd
Time: 11:00am
Address: 115 Mississaga Street, Oakville Ontario L6L 3A7

Casual dress, please wear bright colours to celebrate her vivid spirit.
It is an outdoor gathering in a grassy yard, please don't wear high heels (they will sink into the grass), and dress warmly, as it may be chilly.

This is a pot luck lunch event, please feel free to bring something to add to the food table, stay as short or as long as you like, we will have a bonfire a little later.

This gathering is to share stories and celebrate Stella's amazing life, there will be an open mic, so feel free to bring and share one of your own.

If you cannot make the memorial, please join us via zoom by clicking on the link on the day.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88953867188?pwd=emJUQi9vZ0hDajIvNGkrNVd1WGdjQT09