1981
2022
Born December 10, 1981, in Toronto, Kelly enjoyed formative childhood years in England, excelling in ballet and on skis during family trips to the Alps. Always an animal lover - even stuffed animals - family dogs Bagshot and Boomer, were her consummate companions. Kelly graduated from Branksome Hall, where she thrived and forged lifelong friendships. Kelly also connected with her Celtic roots during study programmes in Dublin and St. Andrews, majoring in international relations, links golf and pub gatherings. She graduated from McGill University in 2004 with a degree in Political Science.
Kelly had an instinct for entrepreneurial opportunities, pursuing mortgage brokering, serving as president of her Toronto business club, and following a passion for health and wellness ventures. Most recently, she and her husband, Matt, were realizing their dream of restoring and renovating a Victorian house into a hotel in Wellington, Prince Edward County. Always in her element on Lake Joe and Georgian Bay, we will forever picture her driving the whaler, relaxing on the dock, and swimming with her kids.
A natural, effortless beauty, it was Kelly's genuine and honest character that most endeared her to strangers and loved ones alike. Quick with a warm, dimpled smile, and generous with her time and empathy, Kelly maintained deep relationships with a tight but large circle of friends and family. The youngest of the Drinkwater children, she was her family's bright and joyful harmonizer, always up for a good laugh and a model of living purposefully with style. Kelly's greatest joy was being a mother to Isabelle and Will, whose world she filled with wonder, creativity, and immense love. She is survived by Matt and their children; her parents, Susie and David (Adele); her siblings Jennifer Jones (Kevin) and Michael (Cameron); and her seven nieces and nephews, Eleanor, Gwenyth, Tate, Hugh, Boyd, Jacob and Kaitlin. Her large extended McClelland-Drinkwater-Buckingham family will all miss her dearly.
The family will receive friends in Kelly's honour on Friday, March 25, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Rosedale Golf Club, 1901 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto. Please follow your personal COVID preferences. Entry will be staggered.
For family and friends in the County and surrounding area, a celebration of life will be held Monday, March 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Slake Brewery, 181 Mowbray Road, Picton, Ontario.
We hope our devastating loss will help other families shine light on the mental health challenges that affect so many.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mental Health Program at Women's College Hospital in Toronto in Kelly E. Buckingham's memory. You can donate online at https://wchf.akaraisin.com/ui/KellyBuckingham or by calling Women's College Hospital Foundation at 416-323-6323.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
22 Entries
March 17, 2024
Mother
Daughter
Sister
Cousin
Friend
Entrepreneur
Athlete
Kelly was all of these and more
Never forgotten, always loved
Mary &Ian &Brodie Murdoch
April 25, 2022
We are so saddened to hear of Kelly´s death. Our hearts are broken for you and all Kelly´s family.
Caryl Rutledge
April 4, 2022
I was heartbroken to hear the news of Kelly's passing while here in Florida. Although I didn't know her personally, my children did and were devastated to lose her as a friend. She was clearly a wonderful daughter, mother and friend to all who knew her. As a mother and grandmother myself, I can't imagine the depth of your loss ...sending you all my at this sad time.
Caryl
Arthur Parks
April 1, 2022
Suzanne, I just heard of Kelly's passing from my son, Stephen. What dreadful news. From all I have read, she was a lovely person. My thoughts are with you and your family during this extremely difficult time. It is not the right order. Many people do not understand what a terrible illness depression is. I do - from personal experience. If you wish to chat at anytime, don't hestitate to contact me. Arthur
Jessica & Aaron Wessels
March 31, 2022
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Kelly. My heart breaks for her family and close friends, especially her husband and two sweet angels. Sending our sincerest condolences xo
Gilly Fick
March 31, 2022
Susie and family - I can't begin to imagine the pain and depth of your loss. With my deepest condolences.
SUSIE & WAYNE LANGLEY
March 26, 2022
FOR SUZANNE- WE SEND OUR HEARTFELT WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS VERY SAD TIME IN YOUR LIFE. WE DID NOT KNOW KELLY BUT SHE MUST HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL DAUGHTER. SINCERELY,
SUSIE & WAYNE/SHANE LANGLEY
John McLeish and Jane Campbell
March 26, 2022
Kelly was a sweet, caring, and accomplished individual, who endeared herself to everyone who knew her. Her life was far too short, but during her time she created wonderful memories for her family and friends. We will always have those memories and they will always make us smile.
Todd Hunter
March 25, 2022
Very saddened to hear about Kelly. I first met her in 3rd year at St. Andrews. I have fond memories of Kelly at parties and pub crawls during that time. Recently, we reconnected just over a year ago when I decided to get my mortgage licence. Kelly was very kind to set aside time and provide me with some invaluable background and guidance about working in the industry. On behalf of the Hunter family our thoughts are with the McClelland-Drinkwater-Buckingham families.
SULLIVAN FAMILY
March 24, 2022
SUSIE JENNIFER MICHAEL AND FAMILY ......OUR THOUGHTS AND LOVE ARE WITH YOU AND ALL THE MCCELLAND DRINKWATER BUCKINGHAM FAMILIES <<
Mary Ellen Empringham Hopgood
March 24, 2022
Kelly's death is an enormous loss to her family and friends. My family and I send our love to you all and our deepest sympathy.
Julia Williamson-Nuttall
March 24, 2022
Kelly and I had known one another since our days at JRR. We continued to remain friends throughout the years and grew even closer in adulthood especially the last few years. I thought of her as one of my dearest friends. She was so easy to talk to, non judgemental and had the best laugh of anyone I´ve ever known. She was so kind and caring and made anyone she spoke with feel important. I will miss her so very much. I am sending my deepest sympathies to the Drinkwaters, McClellands, and Buckingham families. She will be forever loved and never forgotten. Love, Julia Williamson-Nuttall
Charlie Deeks
March 24, 2022
I will fondly remember Kelly's huge smile and her warm personality every time I saw her that made you feel as if she was truly interested in seeing you and hearing what you were up to. I have fond memories of fun times together at Branksome / UCC events. I am extremely saddened by this news, and I, along with the entire Deeks family, send our thoughts and prayers to all of the families involved.
Debbie Findlay
March 24, 2022
I had the privilege of meeting Kelly many years ago. Her infectious smile and warm heart were a prerequisite to our friendship. May her light continue to shine through her two beautiful children. My deepest condolences to all her family and loved ones on your loss. Kelly had the warmest heart. I will remember her smile always. Deb Findlay
Debra Mustos
March 23, 2022
I taught Kelly Spanish at Branksome Hall. Her kindness, sweetness and brightness are forever emblazoned in my memory. Dearest Kelly, I am so sorry for your pain. Peace be with you. You, in my memory, were always a ray of sunshine.
Karly Tisdall
March 23, 2022
Kelly & I worked together some years ago, and soon I was fortunate enough to call her a friend. She was such a bright light, honestly the warmest and kindest soul I´ve ever known. I am so sorry for your family´s devastating loss. I´ll carry her smile with me forever, and her struggle will not be forgotten.
Goodbye, sweet friend. May you be at peace now.
Jim Leech and Deb Barrett
March 23, 2022
Susan:
Thinking about you and your family where it counts. May your grief soon pass and replaced by happy memories of the great times you all enjoyed together.
Deb and Jim
Sally & George Cancilla
March 23, 2022
Our hearts are broken for the loss of such a wonderful, vital young woman. We will always remember Kelly's beautiful smile and gentle ways. We are holding your family in our prayers.
Sally & George Cancilla
Lesley Sloggett
March 23, 2022
Kelly was one of the warmest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. She had an incredibly infectious spirit and you couldn't help matching her brilliant smile when you were around her. Her kind spirit, sense of fun, and empathy will never be forgotten. May Kelly's bright light shine on Isabelle and Will forevermore. My heartfelt condolences to the McClelland-Drinkwater-Buckingham families, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Kelly, you are so loved, thanks for being a friend. Love, Lesley Sloggett
Roberta S McFadden
March 23, 2022
My deepest sympathies to you and yours.
The loss of your dear daughter is profound.
Sending loads of love,
Roberta McFadden xo
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