Photo courtesy of CLOSED-Harvey Family Funeral Home
Seattle, Washington
Jan 7, 1927 – Oct 19, 2013
Lelia "Tillie" Pauline KELLY
January 7, 1927 – October 19, 2013 Loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully Saturday in her home in Woodinville, WA surrounded by her loved ones. Predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Joseph T. Kelly Captain USNR Ret.
Tillie leaves behind their 8 children, John Kelly (Dickie), Colleen McDonald (Paul), Geralyn Davis (Chuck), Sheila Samples (Ken), Tom Kelly (Julia), Mary Jo Kelly, Jim Kelly (Julie) & Jane McNulty (Tom). Tillie loved dearly and took great joy in her 12 grandchildren, Chris, Ryan, Miles, Sarah, Nicholas, Jordan, Mikaela, Madison, Nicole, Allison, Hanna & Lucy, as well as, 3 great-grandchildren Joshua, Haley, & Matthew.
Tillie was born as the youngest of eight into the Davies family of Walla Walla, WA, where she grew up for most of her childhood before moving with her family to Tacoma, attending Saint Leo's High School, graduating in 1945. She later studied at Seattle University, where she met her lifelong companion and husband, Joseph "Joe" Kelly. Upon her college graduation in 1949 she worked as a legal secretary for Bogle Bogle and Gates in Seattle until the couple married on June 9, 1951, beginning her 62 year long journey of motherhood and matriarchal guidance. Her family now finds peace in knowing she has joined the party with all of the loved ones who have gone before her. Tillie will always be remembered for her tenacity, strength, and caring nature that extended beyond her home and into the community.
Recitation of the Rosary will be on Thursday, October 24th, at 7pm and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 25th, at 11:00 a.m. BOTH will be at
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church
17856 NE Woodinville-Duvall Road, Woodinville, WA. Internment at Holyrood Cemetery.
Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com
Dear Geralyn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your mother's presence, memories, and blessings be with you always. Mary Jo Burk
October 28, 2013
Tillie, You were a terrific mother in every sense of the word. I feel very lucky to have been a part of your family as you have been part of ours. I am glad you are not suffering anymore & rejoicing in heaven with Joe, my mom & dad & many other family & friends. Love you & miss you XO
Mary Harris
October 27, 2013 | Aurora, OR
Tillie was a wonderful friend to my mother, Dorothy Moore, who lived at Brittany Park till March 2012. She was lots of fun for Mom to be with and a caring and loving person who was always very kind to me. God Bless you all.
Rhoda Bressler
October 24, 2013 | Bellevue, WA
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
The Pettit's
October 24, 2013 | Tukwila, WA
Colleen, Geri - Sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I remember her as being very warm and friendly, especially to "fellow crew members". You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gayle Wilson
October 23, 2013 | Kirkland, WA
I am so grateful to have known you "Aunt Tillie". You and Joe raised a good bunch of kids. It was always fun being around you and your family. I am sure all your brothers and sisters are throwing you a party now. Rest in peace with them.
Kathy Fortier
October 23, 2013 | Everett, WA
Aunt Tillie, may you rest in peace.
Janice Davies-Gilder
October 23, 2013 | Snoqualmie, WA
