1968
2017
Thealeen “Lena” Kelly
Jan. 29, 1968 - Sept. 27, 2017
CASSOPOLIS - Thealeen “Lena” Kelly, age 49, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, September 27, 2017, in the comfort of her family's presence.
She was born January 29, 1968, in Niles, Michigan, to Carl and Frankie Kelly, Sr.
Her family called her “Wonderwoman” because Lena fought the good fight until Jesus called her home. Not only did she stay strong but her “mustard seed” faith was an inspiration to all who witnessed it. Lena's biggest joys were her children and her music. Her family and friends were a big comfort to her and a source of strength.
Lena will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her longtime companion, Adam McCray of South Bend; one daughter, Aja McCray of Grand Rapids; one son, Isaiah McCray of Cassopolis; seven sisters, Carolyn (Dennis Kelver) Kelly of Cassopolis, Corliss (Courtney Shevelson) Kelly of Carmel, California, Maria (Arthur) Johnson of Oroville, California, Carla (Charles) Near, Theresa (Felix) Slaski, Paula Kelly, Allison (Tony) Brooks, all of Cassopolis; six brothers, Carl (Ruth) Kelly, Jr. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Benjamin (Christine) Kelly of Vicksburg, Michigan, Chris (Jacalyn) Kelly of North Aurora, Illinois, Mark (Amy) Kelly of Kalamazoo; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Paul Kelly.
Family and friends will gather Sunday, October 1, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until time of Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis. Additional gathering will take place Monday, October 2, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Ann Catholic Church, 421 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, with Father Bob Flickinger officiating.
Ms. Kelly will be laid to rest at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Wagner Family Funerals - Connelly Chapel - Cassopolis.
I'll never stop missing that beautiful smile on that beautiful face! Lena touched so many hearts and souls!! I love you always, Lena!!
Amy Tavernier
Friend
September 23, 2019
Mike Vaszari
October 5, 2017
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Lena. The Kandlstorfer family loves you and all of the Kelly family. Jesus is waiting with open arms for you. Love John, Julie, Josh
October 3, 2017
Sending my deepest condolences to the Kelly Family. Remember all the good times you shared with her. She no longer has to suffer.
Melanie Gray
October 2, 2017
My sincere condolences
October 2, 2017
I am so sorry for the entire Kelly family and relatives. Lena was my students and now Isaiah is my student. I love them both. Know that I am here for you all.
October 2, 2017
To the Kelly family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Lena was loved by many, and will be missed by many.
Pamela Palmer
October 2, 2017
You Inspired me with you love and confidence. You were a giver even when you were hurting yourself.
James Smith
October 2, 2017
My Thoughts & Prayers have been with Lena , throughout her battle with such an awful disease :(
After hearing the sad news, my Thoughts & Prayers immediately shifted to her Family & closest Friends! Although Lena & I didn't spend a lot of time together, I can honestly say that she was truly an Inspiration to me & We Always had great conversation, as if we had been the best of friends forever! Her Positive Attitude, Focused Energy & Overall Kind Spirit that was so contagious, Will definitely be greatly missed by all who knew her :(
My Deepest Sympathy & Continued Prayers are especially with Adam & Your Two Children...God Bless
Dana Hamilton
October 2, 2017
I will miss your encouraging words when it comes to my son. Just you and I helping each other, calling each other wonder woman for the fight we were battling. Your battle is over and I will pick up the flag and keep running. Rest easy Lena. I love you!!!!
Karen Moore
October 1, 2017
In the 49 years of her life, she touched so many people. Lena will truly be missed but we celebrate her life and legacy of faith in God! Love you eternally Lena!
Billie Jean Goins Burton
October 1, 2017
I will always think of Cherubim and Seraphim when I see you. The day we just so happened to have our doctor's appointment on the same day. The angels were with us Lena. You now can sang the angels song Lena. You have your wings now. "Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory." (Isaiah 6:2-3)
Shyreece Pompey
October 1, 2017
Lena you will be greatly missed you are a lovely soul that inspired lot us ,your home with the good lord.
Sue Smith
October 1, 2017
From the very first time I met Lena, she always shined!! I can't recall ever feeling anything but warmth and happiness in her presence!!! Lena was,and remains, a beautiful soul, inside and out!!! I regret not getting to see her one more time before her passing! I guess I took for granite that I would surely see her again! You were truly one of a kind sweet Lena!!! I love you forever and always!!! My heart and prayers go out to her kids and family!!!!
Amy Tavernier
October 1, 2017
Rest easy, my friend....
Tracy Haines
October 1, 2017
Just lighting a candle.
Heather Holloway
October 1, 2017
You was a very special soul I ever came a cross truly a light that sit on top of a hill. Only the pure of heart shall see God. Rest in peace leana
Keith Carter
October 1, 2017
My condolences to the Kelly family she was and will always be a very beautiful person.
kahryn yawkey
October 1, 2017
"Belle Ame" you are forever an inspiration. You raised me up when I thought there was nothing left. I love you and will miss you every single day....
Krystal Richey
October 1, 2017
I'm deeply sadden to witness my life long friend rise up to heaven, we were baptized at the same time at St Anns Parish and my Grand Mother Thelma Lee Cartwright grew up and went to Catholic School and church with Lenas dad Carl Kelly Sr. in Mississippi. Lena was angel that kept me on the straight and right path with her vast knowledge and extraordinary wisdom for our age. Rest in peace until we meet again my dear friend.
Wade Pacely
October 1, 2017
I love you Lena...Forever in our heart...Rest easy you beautiful soul.
September 29, 2017
I'm feeling pretty good for someone doctors thought wouldn't be here! But they didn't consider my God, or my faith, or my will...yes, I'm doing good! Still singing! Thank you for asking. I'm still fiercely battle, but I'm not tired. I'll fight as long as it takes. God has a greater purpose for me.❤
Even going through pain Lena never described it as suffering. I said to her "Love you and your attitude"
Lena Replied: "Thank you, love you too".
This was right before going to Detroit for her clinical trials.
September 29, 2017
So sad to hear of Lena's passing. Although I did not know her well she left an impression with her zest for life and that beautiful voice. My prayers go out to her family. I believe that the she is now singing the loudest leading the choir of angels. Rest in peace, Lena, you will be missed by so many.
Sue Monaghan
September 29, 2017
My heart goes out to Lena's family. Prayers for comfort at this time.
Jackie Wolfe
September 29, 2017
My condolences to the Kelly Family.
Tony Molsby
CHS 73
Tony Molsby
September 29, 2017
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