Marylou Kelly

Marylou Kelly

Died September 26, 2025

LAKE LEELANAU – Marylou Kelly (Sharnowski) was born on January 9, 1938, and passed away on September 26, 2025, and will be remembered with love by family and friends. As her Goddaughter Susie says, she was truly "our walking angel."

Marylou's life was marked by kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. She was always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or wise advice. Her grace and patience were reflected not only in her beautiful quilting but also in the many years she devoted to helping with the chicken dinners at St. Mary's.

She had a special fondness for babies and was often found with a little one in her arms, cuddling and rocking. But, above all, Marylou cherished her family. She could be found cheering from the sidelines at her children's basketball, soccer, and volleyball games, and her support extended to grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marylou encouraged her children to move away from home and explore the world. And she loved traveling to visit them.

Marylou (Sister/Mom/Busha/Friend) leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, and generosity that will be felt by all who knew her, near and far.

Marylou is survived by her six children, Dave (Anne) Kelly, Greg Kelly, Scott (Debbie Hilton) Kelly, Todd (Connie) Kelly, Brenda Kelly-House, Yvonne (Lincoln) Blakely; her siblings, Ron (Elaine) Sharnowski, Frank (Brenda) Sharnowski, Joyce (Bob) Hallead, Jane (Charlie) Anderson, Ginger "Virginia" (George Shaddick) Petroskey; two sister-in-laws, Barb Sharnowski, Lyla Sharnowski; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Ashley (Chuck) Johnson, Jacob Kelly-Smith, Tony Kelly, Samantha Kelly, Ryan (Mary Kathryn) House, Bridgett House, Andrea (Mason) Ogle, Olivia House; her great grandchildren, Tyler, Kadeyn and Carson Kelly, Kirra, Felix and Lucy Johnson, Emmie Lou, Jace Flack and Ellie Grace Ogle.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents, Peter and Florence, her siblings, August Sharnowski, Thomas Sharnowski, Milford Sharnowski and Jack (Lorraine) Sharnowski.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be Prayed at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10th at St. Mary's Church of Lake Leelanau.

The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11th also at St. Mary's Church. Burial will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery. Father Ben Martin will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's School, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

Please share condolences and memories with Kaywin's family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.