Nancy Ann Kelley

Nancy Ann Kelley, born Nancy Ann Parry in Seattle Washington in 1943, passed away at Swedish Medical Center First Hill, in Seattle Washington on June 5, 2021. Nancy was 78 years old. Nancy was a long-term breast cancer survivor, and remained in remission throughout her life. Her death was caused by pneumonia and the lung ailments that had been troubling her for a number of years.

Nancy was survived by her sister, Susan Bess, her stepdaughter Jackie Kelley, her ex-husband Gus Kelley, her nieces and nephew, and many friends from all the different activities in her life, including many neighbors from everywhere she has lived, who became longtime friends.

She was married to Gus Kelley from 1978 to 1987. They remained in touch, and Gus was instrumental in helping to settle Nancy's estate.

Nancy's sister Susan Bess passed away not long after Nancy, in 2022.

Foremost, Nancy was an artist. She worked in painting, drawing, ceramics, beading, and needlecraft. Her work reflected her brightness and sense of fun and play, her interest in history, current events and politics, and her appreciation for cats.

Nancy had many cats over the years, most of them rescues. She loved them dearly, and a few years ago she buried their ashes near one another. Nancy's ashes have been scattered at sea, and hopefully at some point the Seattle rain will bring them all back together again. Nancy's latest cat, Harriet, was cared for by a neighbor until she could be safely returned to PAWS.

Nancy worked at many different jobs over the years to support her calling, including but not limited to being a social worker, a drafter, and working for a health food manufacturer. She finished up with a long run as a customer service representative for Puget Sound Energy. Nancy retired from PSE in 2009, and she used the next twelve years to enjoy and cultivate many gratifying and useful pursuits.

She was also a gardener, and was instrumental in creating the community garden in Wildwood Glen, her last place of residence, in West Seattle.

She regularly joined friends to visit gardens, plant shows, craft shows, museums, and anywhere else that art and beauty could be found.

Nancy took art classes at South Seattle College, and made a group of friends and acquaintances there. When the artwork she had created was auctioned after her death, some of these friends purchased a painting and donated it to yet another auction to benefit the cat rescue Purrfect Pals in Arlington. Many of the earrings Nancy made were donated to another kitty rescue.

Nancy incorporated her love of craft into her gifts to the community. For example, she knit and crocheted hats for the needy in Seattle for many years. At the time of her death, she was also making hats for cancer survivors at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle. Nancy was also a great fan of the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks, and some of her creations are in their colors.

The proceeds from the auction of her art and goods, along with a good portion of her estate, was donated to the following charities. Donations to honor Nancy can be sent to any of these:

Catholic Community Services

100 23rd Ave. S

Seattle, WA 98144-5979

On check for Catholic Community Services, add a memo that the donation is for St Martin De Porres shelter

Tilth Alliance

4649 Sunnyside Ave N

Suite 100

Seattle, WA 98103

Treehouse

2100 24th Avenue South

No 200

Seattle, WA 98144

Westside Baby

10002 14th Avenue SW

Seattle, WA 98146

PAWS

15305 44th Ave W

Lynnwood, WA 98087