Linda Kelley

1941 - 2015

Linda Julia (Angeles) Kelley

September 1941

August 2015

Linda lived life passionately and graciously. In 1988, when diagnosed with a trio of life-threatening diseases and possible organ transplant, she made a pact with herself to, "Experience all I can while I still have time," and boy, did she ever. Twenty-seven yrs. and thirty-two countries later, she would emerge a savvy traveler and "mystery miracle" to her internist. On July 27, Linda faced another diagnosis - stage IV pancreatic cancer. Over the next five days this gutsy woman would call her life's hardest shots, and then choose a significant August morning to make her final journey home.

Linda was born in Los Angeles, CA and graduated from Santa Barbara Catholic High school in 1959. In 1969, while working as a legal secretary for the Santa Barbara District attorney's office, she met her Irishman, Lyle Kelley. In 1971, Linda and Kelley were married in Santa Barbara, CA and later relocated to Reno, NV in 1974 where they raised two daughters, Stacie and Heather Ann. Linda returned to working in 1980 as secretary for S.J. Groves Construction, Reno. In 1987 she accepted a plum position at Sierra Pacific Power only to have debilitating health issues force her into early retirement (1997). Ever the optimist - Linda took the hand life dealt her and counted her blessings.

Slowing her pace meant more quality time with family and friends, mastering knitting skills and traveling abroad in search of uncommon yarns and needles to create pieces of art that told a unique story. As a result of those trips and weekly gatherings with her knitting sisters, she became an avid history buff while forging solid lifelong friendships. Her vivacious spirit made even strangers feel treasured.

Above all - Linda was clear on her priorities: To enjoy every last drop of life, be grateful and take every opportunity to express her love. She didn't hesitate to tell Kelley he was the best thing that ever happened to her. When she was proud of you - she'd tell you. When she was inspired by a friend - she was quick to compliment. When she felt moved to tears from a joy or sadness - she let them flow. When she was happy, she'd laugh openly - never ashamed of being silly - and have you rolling right along with her.

One friend echoed the thoughts of many, "There are certain people that you just feel like you have known for a long time -- even from the minute you become acquainted -- and I felt that way about Linda. The news hit me as hard as if we'd known one another for a much longer." B.C.

In recent years, Linda had reconnected with her Santa Barbara classmates. Not able to attend a reunion- she penned a short bio then signed off with words just as fitting now as it was then, "Wishing I could be with you all but it is not to be. Know that I am with you in spirit and wish all of you good health and know that one day we will see each other again. My cup surely runneth over with goodness and love! Take care and please keep in touch. Love, hugs and smiles ~ Linda"

Linda is survived by her husband, Lyle Kelley; daughter and son-in-law Stacie & Marco Belmonte and grandchildren Jessica, Catherine, & Ezio; daughter & Son-in-law Heather & John Russell and grandchildren Sienna & Spencer; brother and sister-in-law Richard & Sherry Angeles. She is preceded in death by her parents Elizabeth & Delphin M. Angeles; Sister, Victoria Angeles -Los Angeles, CA.

All are welcome to a Celebration of Life & reception, Saturday, October 10, 2015, 11-4pm, at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral, Reno. Donations may be made to The Lustgarten Foundation/ CurePC.org for pancreatic cancer research. The family would like to thank the Renown Oncology staff & Hospice Director Kim Brenay for their caring commitment to Linda's care.