COLLEEN ANNE KELLY

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Colleen Anne Kelly on December 21, 2024, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Born on March 12, 1959, Colleen was the first-born daughter of Yvonne and Maurice Kelly’s seven children. 

She was predeceased by her father, Maurice, in 2022; and her brother, Kevin, in 2015.

Colleen is survived by her mother, Yvonne Kelly; as well as her siblings, Erin Bereznay (Oliver), Lisa Ireland (John), Theresa Karlsson (Dan), Brian Kelly (Debbie Ma), and Carrie Kelly (Kevin Kennedy). Her extended family will forever remember the love and caring spirit she brought into their lives.

Colleen was deeply loved by her community at DASCH, a family-like organization that provided her with unwavering support and opportunities to thrive. Her long-time friends and roommates, Denise, Isabel, and Joanne, along with the many staff whose lives she touched, will profoundly miss her joyful presence. Colleen attended a Dasch day program as well and spent her hours there with others doing crafts and keeping busy with recreation and socializing.

Family gatherings brought Colleen immense joy, particularly her own birthday celebrations. She delighted in singing and signing the "Happy Birthday" song. Her favourite gift to receive was jewelry as she adored wearing bold necklaces and bracelets but, predictably, and for reasons of her own, that meant that she immediately threw out her old jewelry and someone had to secretly retrieve it to give back to her later! In addition to loving the necklaces and bracelets, she loved to be pampered with having her nails polished and hair styled.

Colleen loved sharing her photo album, filled with cherished pictures of her loved ones. When her vision allowed, she also enjoyed scrolling through photos on an iPad or smartphone. Her love for order and structure was evident in her meticulous table-setting, always accompanied by her gum and a beaded necklace. An animal lover, Colleen found joy in petting the soft fur of any creature she encountered. Special summer weekends at Winnipeg Beach were among her favourite memories. In her younger days, she enjoyed bike-riding and swimming in the family pool.

Her presence taught profound lessons about living authentically, fostering empathy, and embracing inclusivity. She inspired everyone around her to celebrate uniqueness and shared humanity.

The Kelly family extends heartfelt gratitude to all of Colleen’s care providers at Dasch over many years, especially Jacki, Carla, Melissa and Maris. As Colleen’s health declined, they provided a great deal of support to Colleen and to the family as well. Thanks also to the team at Victoria Hospital 5- South for their compassion and care.

A Mass celebrating Colleen’s life will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 4588 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg, MB, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the DASCH Foundation by clicking here.

“I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours, to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with a light of love.”

— Helen Keller

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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