JULIA KELLY

Julia Kelly, 67. For a woman affectionately known as Mother of the World or "MOW," her passing on Mother's day is particularly appropriate. Julia Carr Finn Kelly of Chicago, IL, died at the age of 67 on May 8, 2011, at her home in Saugatuck surrounded by the loving family she created. Julie inspired and supported so many people in her life with her work and her endless caring for others. Her accomplishments have spanned across many endeavors all centered in art, creativity and leadership, including being a tennis pro, designing and manufacturing a tennis clothing line, writing a book on tennis, designing and building high end homes, interior decorating, and for the past 20 years, running Blasart, a Chicago based industrial glass works business specializing in sandblasted glass art pieces for design and architectural use. When Julie set her mind on a goal, it quickly attracted support from others and was eventually achieved in a wonderfully collaborative manner. Whatever she touched turned beautiful. She and her husband were long-time award sponsors of the Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, the premier equestrian triathlon in the U.S. Julie was also an avid volunteer. The "Volunteer of the Year" award is named after her for Ladder Up, a tax assistance program for the working poor of Chicago. Along the way she collected countless friends that became family. When you were around Julie, there was always a sense of warmth, safety and unending possibilities. She never let her interest in life and relationships fade as she got older. Her intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness sparked countless conversations that challenged participants but always left you smiling. Her inherent knack for being a host was astounding. When she opened her immaculate home, cooked world-class meals and engaged in conversations that bounced from love to family to values to culture to politics to God, you felt taken care of and welcome. There was always one constant when you spent time with her; you always left with some advice from MOW whether you asked for it or not. She died from a combination of late stage ALS and pneumonia. Throughout her battle with this terrible disease she maintained the same grace and dignity with which she lived her life. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Ed; sons, Drew and Alex, their wives; and four grandchildren. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to ALS research in Julie's name at http://www.lesturnerals. org.