We are so sad to have lost our beautiful and creative wife, mother, and friend, Deirdre Kelly to the cruel ravages of cancer. She is survived by her husband John, daughter Emma, son Matthew, sister Maureen, brothers Paul and Mike, step-mother Allene, and a large community of well loved friends. After her childhood in North Vancouver, Deirdre moved to the Island where she became a tireless advocate for human rights. She co-founded the Victoria Central America Support Committee in 1980, and worked as the Coordinator of the Office of Social Justice for the Catholic Diocese for 20 years. For the past 10 years she turned her focus to art and amassed an impressive body of paintings and other work. With so much still left to do Deirdre was forced to leave her earthly life too soon. We know that she would be happy to pass the torch of her kindness to others and passion for life to her family and friends, but right now our lives without her will be less joyful. Please join us in remembrance of Deirdre at Holy Cross Parish, 4049 Gordon Head Rd., at 2pm on Monday, Feb. 5th. Messages of condolence can be sent to www.earthsoption.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times Colonist from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Deirdre Kelly

21 Entries

Patrick Jamieson

January 26, 2019

Dee was a truly amazing being. If our job on this planet is to arrive at a higher level of consciousness by helping others do the same she had surely arrived. A star in our constellation...pat j

Tim Frewer

April 6, 2018

Deirdre's life was so rich and full, her passing so sad. Her legacy though, an inspiration for anyone of us.

At first we were high school friends; she the earth mother to a gaggle of us misfits. Always welcomng, always humble, so generous with her love for her friends, and her empathy for all.

A gap of some years, then reunited, to understand how she grew her influence and love and really DID things in this world to make it a better place. Her art in our house now reminds me every day of her talent and beautiful legacy. We share the family's loss. I am a thankful for her presence in my life..

February 9, 2018

I'm sorry to hear about Deidre's passing and battle with Cancer. I always enjoyed seeing her art on the Fernwood Art page.
Elise

John Price

February 7, 2018

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Deirdre. I had known her since the 1980s through our good friends Peter Golden and Charlotte Bell. In the last few years her passion for things Japanese brought her to the meetings of the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society where I saw her most recently. My sincere condolences to John and the rest of the family--an awesome woman who will not soon be forgotten.

February 7, 2018

l0vely deirdre you have now another chance to meet with jim gordaneer your painting mentor and paint up a "storm'
miss you

Derek Evans

February 7, 2018

Very sad to learn of Dierdre's passing. All blessings to family and her many friends.

Michael Epstein

February 6, 2018

She's got everything she needs, she's an artist, she don't look back. Strength, courage, spirit, irony, steadfast resolve, depth, compassion, friendship. Searcher, explorer, wanderer, observer, finding her way home. Gone too soon, she will not be forgotten.

Linda Woodbury

February 5, 2018

I met Deirdre through my friendship with Nancy Murphy. I was always amazed at Deirdre's energy and passion for her art, and enjoyed her shows and studio tours, and her sense of humour. Deirdre was a wonderfully expressive artist with a style all her own. I am fortunate to own two of her pieces, and will treasure them and remember her vivacity and zest for life. The next world will be more colourful for her presence. Much love dear Deirdre. And love and blessings to your family.

Liane Regendanz

February 4, 2018

I met Diedre in the early 80s when I was in my early 20s. A good friend of Deborah Douglas, and her step mum, sandy, and dad, peter Boles, I was introduced to the co-op and the community there. I remember Diedre as a strong and passionate person who was so committed to human rights, and at that time, the crisis in Central America. What an amazing force she was! What a beautiful person, she gave so much to this world to make it a better place. So grateful for her life. Sharing the sadness of her husband, John, and her kids, Emma and Mathew, and the many people she shared her life with - deb, Laura and Richard and the whole community in Victoria at the coop. My deepest sympathy.

Joe Barrett

February 4, 2018

I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with you John and Dierdre in the many activities organized to support people in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala during those difficult years in the 80's and 90's. Your heartfelt, calm determination remains with me as a joyful force.
Love and hugs,
Joe

Joyce Carr

February 3, 2018

Much love to you and yours John. Sending you hugs from Jean and Joyce. Deirdre seems to have been a very spiritual woman , so sorry not to have met her.

Barbara Hay

February 3, 2018

It was a personal blessing for me to be present when she left with the angels following her hearing from her son in Japan. It was a gentle and blessed passing, and I was so privileged to witness it.

Marg and Frank Green

February 3, 2018

John and family, So sad to hear of your loss, Visiting son David in NY so unable to be there. Such a compassionate, persevereng, humble, and creative spirit. We wish we had been able to keep more in touch, but our own lives took such an enexpected turn. Will be in touch, John, soon. Much love. Marg Frank and our 4 sons who also remember her as a vital part of the solidarity community they were raised in.

Barry Herring

February 3, 2018

I only knew Dierdre for a short time through our art which we discussed and exchanged. She was a creative and energizing person to be around and I will truly miss her.

Yvonne Zarowny

February 2, 2018

Deirdre lived her faith ... it was a joy to work with her in solidarity with the people struggling for life with dignity in Central America. Thought and prayers to all her loved ones ... particularly her family.

Gayle Curtis

February 2, 2018

What a blessing you were. How blessed I was to have had you in my life. Thank you for your laughter, your warmth, your generous spirit, and you heartfelt sense of justice. You will be missed. Much love,
Gayle

Patrick Jamieson

February 2, 2018

Deirdre our hero and saint. What a powerful blend of social justice passion and creative artistic spirit. Merton's ideal of action and contemplation. A board member par excellence in the 1990s with her editor pal Marnie Butler at Island Catholic News and my father's right hand at the diocese for St. Andrew Refugee Association. Stellar. Sweet. Wonderful.

Arden Rose

February 1, 2018

I had the opportunity to get to know Dierdre through the Gage Gallery. May she paint the heavens with her beautiful images. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Paula Sheedy

February 1, 2018

What an amazing woman and dear friend. She will be greatly missed by so many but we can take comfort in the fact that her mission here on earth was accomplished and she is now resting in God's loving hands.

Lindsay Brown

February 1, 2018

Learning about Deirdre through our dear friend, Nancy, you have my deepest sympathy and I have enjoyed reading about how much she gave to this world.

Gregory Hartnell

February 1, 2018

Full of the love of the Holy Spirit and the risen Christ, Deirdre shared that love with all of us, through her enthusiasm for life, and through her amazing artistic output. God bless her, God bless her grieving family and God bless her many friends.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

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