Karen Kay Kelly

Wife, mother, grandmother, friend, soulmate, KK



The bright and beautiful presence of Karen Kay Kerkhoff Kelly expired on May 24, 2024 from complications relating to her heart. And what a heart it was. By her own admission a People Pleaser, she was always there to love, support, assist and generally BE for everyone. She was known to arrive at any hour and under any circumstance to help out family and friends in need.

Known as KK by those closest to her, even by her grandchildren ("I am not 'Grandma'!"), she was the ultimate caregiver to her three children and their eventual partners, and to her five grandkids and multiple grand pups. Her family was her priority. Even-keeled with a loving hand, she knew exactly what her "peeps" needed, from staying up all night to hold a hand, to hosting carbo loads for many sports teams, to "snuggle reads" with her grandchildren. She was so proud of each of them and never hesitated to brag about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen.



KK loved photography and was quite skilled in framing the perfect shot as her Christmas cards attest. Many trips required her husband Bob to sherpa additional bags of cameras and equipment so that she was prepared for any possibility. A big fan of Jimmy Buffett and an early adopter of country music, she found amusement in corny lines but solace in descriptions of the simple life, especially beach life, on which she based her own. She had a natural eye for fashion and decor, and enjoyed spending time in her gardens. From daily walks around town, to bike rides on Hilton Head Island, to tearing up dance floors, KK was always on the move. She relished her quiet time with a great book, but was a welcoming host who was revered for her killer margaritas.



KK touched many lives, and will be remembered and missed by so many- including early friends in Salem, NH, her Alpha Xi sorority sisters at the University of New Hampshire, her Dartmouth gang, and her Exeter community. She was a wonderful friend, who found great joy in the human connection and went out of her way to support her loved ones.

KK is survived by her loving family, by her adoring husband of 43 years, Bob Kelly of Exeter, NH; her three children and their spouses, Shalagh and Brook Bacon of Nashua, NH, Ryan and Lauren Kelly of Exeter, NH, and Devin and Caroline Kelly of Barrington, NH; her sister Joy Wasz of Simsbury, CT and brother David Kerkhoff of Northwood, NH; her five grandchildren; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is pre-deceased by her father, Phillip Kerkhoff, her mother, Joan Kerkhoff, and her older sister, Susan Lynn Kerkhoff. Susie passed away of kidney failure as a child, and was KK's first best friend. As her father also passed due to complications from kidney failure, memorial donations may be made in KK's name to the American Kidney Foundation.

All are welcome to join the family at a Celebration of Life service at Phillips Church at 61 Front Street, Exeter NH on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 1:30pm, with a reception at the Exeter Inn to follow.



Her can-do spirit, giggly laugh, bright eyes and crazy beach hair will live on within all of us as a reminder of what true love is. Thank you, Karen Kay, for the life and love that you gave us.