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Caitlin Kelly Obituary
January 17, 1993 - September 11, 2015
Chapel Hill
Caitlin was born January 17, 1993, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to John Brendan Kelly and Kim Kennedy Kelly. Caitlin was a smart, funny, loving and often stubborn child. She was inquisitive and charming and caring. Caitlin was a wonderful person and daughter.
She attended West Lake Elementary School and then attended, and graduated from, Cary Academy. Caitlin was an active student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a school she loved.
Caitlin participated in many activities while in school. She swam for the Lochmere Swim team and the Raleigh Swim Association. She participated in all levels of the Capital Area Soccer Association. For two years she was the Mid-Atlantic Triathlon Association champion in her age group. She regularly ran 5 and 10k races for charities, often with her mother. She proudly represented Cary Academy in soccer, swimming, and her greatest love, cross-country.
Caitlin is survived by her parents, Kim Kennedy Kelly and JB Kelly, her grandfather F. Stuart Kennedy of Thomasville, NC and grandmother Mildred Kelly of Ponte Vedre Beach, FL, as well as beloved aunts and uncles, including Harold Kennedy, Marcia Hawkins, Greg Kelly, Megan Tompkins and Susan Kelly and cousins, including Adrien Doughty,Wes Hawkins, Alex Kennedy, Kelly Geissmann, Dustin Geissman, Erin Kelly, Kristen Kelly, and Tanner Tompkins.
Caitlin was the kindest of hearts, lover of all things living and nature, and was a joy to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She made the decision to become a vegetarian at age 5, began volunteering at the SPCA at age 7, and enjoyed soccer, Carolina sports, hiking and strawberry picking for as long as anyone can remember. She liked creating things. She enjoyed origami. She loved working with stained glass. She loved to grow things. She could coax beautiful tomatoes out of a small scratch of soil. She could fix things that were broken.
When Fall would come, Caitlin could be found with her friends at Kenan Stadium, cheering on the Tar Heels and being the person everyone wanted to stand next to. Her positivity and love for life radiated to everyone around her. She often talked about being able to travel and change lives after she graduated. She was a blessing and inspiration for everyone who had the chance to meet her.
Caitlin was Mom to Xu Xu, Man-Man, and Noodles (all cats), as well as Hege the rabbit and Hopper the frog. Caitlin never met an animal she didn't love, and she was a caring supporter of people as well. If anyone needed lifting up, Caitlin was there for them.
Albert Pine said, "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." This is the spirit of Caitlin with her bright eyes, beautiful smile, and heart as big as the world.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, at one of Caitlin's favorite places, Umstead State Park, Reedy Creek Shelter No. 1 located at the Harrison Avenue entrance. In lieu of flowers, Caitlin's family asks that you consider a memorial donation to the SPCA of Wake County. Caitlin loved animals, volunteered at the SPCA, and giving to animals in need is the most beautiful way to celebrate her life
https://secure2.convio.net/spcawc/site/Donation2;jsessionid=EB110DF352E192D425A60B973659620F.app273b?idb=0&3040.donation=form1&df_id=3040
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Caitlin Kelly
Sponsored by H.
Roxanne beebe
November 19, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I am Roxanne, Paul Salisbury's Mom. He passed away just before Caitlin did and she was at his funeral which meant a lot to Paul's brother Stephen. They both went to Cary Academy with her and thought a lot of her. I have no words to ease your pain, but I totally know what you are feeling. If you ever want to meet for coffee and chat.....I would like that. You are in my prayers.
David Keesler
September 30, 2015
JB, I happened to run into Stephanie Humrickhouse, who shared the terrible news about Caitlin. What a special, beautiful young woman -- I wish I had been lucky enough to know her. As a father of two girls, my heart is just breaking for you. Thinking of you and sending prayers your way.
The Compassionate Friends of Wake County
September 27, 2015
Dear parents of Caitlin,
It is with a heavy heart that we send this message to you. Sadly, we have learned about the passing of your beloved daughter. There are simply no words that can adequately express what it is to suffer the loss of a precious child. We are bereaved parents who have suffered this devastating loss. We want to reach out to you in behalf of our group The Compassionate Friends of Wake County: a non-profit and non-denominational support group that consists solely of bereaved parents. We are part of the worldwide organization The Compassionate Friends which can be accessed at www.compassionatefriends.org. Our website is on the latter which you can get on by clicking Chapter Locator and then going to NC. Our group meets twice a month in Raleigh, please see our website for time and location. If you have any questions, please call our message line at 919-833-4022. There is always a bereaved parent on call who should get back to you in one to three days. We are so sorry for your loss and please know that you and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Compassionate Friends of Wake County
Your daughter was an exceptional young woman who seemed to be heading towards a very bright future. Her passing is truly heart-breaking. I am so sorry for your loss. I always have a special place in my heart for animal lovers- we love them also as did my son Kenny who wanted to be a vet. Please know I am thinking of you and your beloved Caitlin.
Sincerely, Mara Lewis (Mom of Kenny who passed in March 2000 at the age of 15 from bone cancer)
Lou Bilionis
September 23, 2015
JB,
I am heartsick for your loss and hope you find strength and comfort.
Lou Bilionis
September 22, 2015
Our hearts are broken for the loss of your beautiful Caitlin. Her memorial was a sincere tribute to the wonderful woman she had become. Her kindness to all family, friends and animals will be deeply missed. Kim, we are here for you always.
Warren and Marsha Gintis
Theodore DuBose
September 21, 2015
JB,
So sorry for your loss; words fail me. Peace to you and everyone who loved Caitlin.
Bill Turner
September 20, 2015
JB & Kim, I just found out from Ron Shehee about Caitlyn and am so sorry for your loss. It is almost incomprehensible to Sue and me that this has happened. Please accept our most profound condolences.
Bill Turner & Sue Rosshirt
Jim Cantor
September 19, 2015
My heart goes out to you and your family. Jim Cantor, Alaska Attorney General's Office
Pam Kittleson
September 18, 2015
JB, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Caitlin. The tribute was lovely. Praying for healing and peace to your family during this very sad time.
kenshasha stokes
September 18, 2015
It breaks my heart to hear that such a young soul had to go so soon. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
From: Your Co-worker
Sasha Stokes
Steve Houck
September 18, 2015
My condolences on your tragic loss. I know this must be a very difficult time for the whole family. I have made a donation in Caitlin's memory to the Wake County SPCA.
Joy Currens
September 17, 2015
Kim and JB,
We are so very sad to hear about Caitlin. We have wonderful memories of her swimming days on Lochmere Swim Team and RSA. What a beautiful young lady she had become! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The Currens Family - Dave, Joy, Savannah and Joshua
Brad and Crystal Phelps
September 17, 2015
JB,
Our hearts go out to you. We are so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know your friends are there for you and we all love you so very much. Take care, Brad and Crystal
Steve, Sharon ( and all at ELI) Paskoff
September 17, 2015
Kim and JB - Sharon and I and all at ELI are terribly saddened to learn of Caitlin's passing and your terrible loss. Our sympathies and deepest condolences are with you.
Mattie Burroughs
September 17, 2015
To the Kelly family:
I graduated from Cary Academy with Caitlin, and we lived in the same neighborhood as you all growing up. She was such a sweet girl! I am so sorry to hear about her passing, and I will keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Sean Reyes
September 17, 2015
Our hearts are breaking! May God's grace and love give you some comfort. We are so, so sorry my friend.
Sean & Saysha
Sarah & Steve Southward
September 17, 2015
Kim and JB, I am shocked to hear of Caitlin's death. I will always remember her from her West Lake Elementary school days as a strong, smart, beautiful girl! My heart goes out to you both.
Haley Gintis
September 17, 2015
Kelly Family,
My heart is saddened to learn of Caitlin's passing. There are no words I can say that will offer comfort during this time, but please know your family is in my thoughts.
My Deepest Sympathies,
Haley Gintis
Lou, JT, & Anna Jamieson
September 16, 2015
We were so sad to hear of the unexpected loss of Caitlin. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne and Scott Griggs
September 16, 2015
Mr and Mrs Kelly,
My heart breaks for you. Caitlin was a lovely girl and I consider myself lucky to have know her. I know she will always have a place in Rhett's heart. He truly considered Caitlin his best friend. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Matt Judson
September 16, 2015
JB and Kim
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. All of my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nelneeta Lytle Quash
September 16, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mark Sherman
September 16, 2015
JB I am so sorry to hear of Caitlin's passing. May loving memories help soften today's grief. With deepest sympathies
Steve and Meg Horvath
September 16, 2015
JB and Kim, we are so sorry for your loss -- such a beautiful and promising young lady who would have had a brilliant future.
Kurt Powell
September 16, 2015
J.B.,
Words cannot express the sorrow. We have close friends who lost their daughter and by honoring her life, you will make it through this tragedy. My prayers are with you and your family.
Kelly Gropp
September 16, 2015
Kim, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Caitlin was a beautiful person. You remain in my prayers.
Mike Lanford
September 16, 2015
JB,
I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful young lady. You and your family are in my prayers.
Richard Whisnant
September 16, 2015
Thinking of you, JB and Kim, after such a terrible loss. My heart goes out to you.
September 16, 2015
My heart breaks for your loss of Caitlin-I truly do know what you are feeling right now. Someday-if you want a shoulder-I'll be available. Roxanne (Paul Salisbury's Mom from Cary Academy).
Gov Mike Easley
September 16, 2015
Kim and JB, I will always remember Caitlin as the beautiful 3 year old who helped make an ad against Domestic Violence. She showed that same enthusiasm to help others the rest of her life. What a wonderful soul.
Tim Pittman
September 16, 2015
Our thoughts are with you.
Darryl Mitchell
September 16, 2015
JB, I am so saddened to hear of your daughter's passing. My heart is broken for you and your family. A parent should never have to endure the loss of a child. There is no greater pain; I have experienced the same pain twice in my life. So I can truly say that I do know the pain. I cannot say that I know how you feel, because each person's grief is different.
May God give you peace and comfort. I pray that you feel comfort in knowing that you have many friends who are praying for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Darryl Mitchell (RBLA)
Doreen Manchester
September 15, 2015
JB,
I am so sorry for your loss. You always spoke of Caitlin with such pride and joy. I can't imagine what you are going through. Sending you many, many prayers for peace and comfort during this time and always.
Tim and Sally Goettel
September 15, 2015
Caitlin was a special person and this is a terrible loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family and friends.
Barb and Randall Smith
September 15, 2015
Caitlin was a beautiful child back in preschool and through her Cary Academy years. She stood out in her kindness to others and her athletic abilities. Please know our hearts ache for you and are very sorry for your loss.
Beverly Hughes
September 15, 2015
My heart goes out to Kim and JB what sad sad news. From your old H&W family.
Beverly Hughes, Clayton, North Carolina
Amy Bush
September 15, 2015
JB,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have a son Caitlin's age and cannot imagine the sorrow you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kindest regards,
Amy Bush
Kirk Torgensen
September 15, 2015
JB what a beautiful young woman. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Howard and Monica Udell
September 15, 2015
Our hearts are heavy. Prayers of comfort and peace go to all who loved Caitlin. May your memories be sweet and bring joy to her parents and the CA and UNC community of friends.
Maureen Sawchak
September 15, 2015
We will be thinking of and praying for all who loved Caitlin. This is a terrible loss for both the CA and UNC communities.
Rachael and Mary Blondy
September 15, 2015
We are thinking of Caitlin and the many wonderful shared experiences on the Cary Academy cross country team. Our hearts are heavy with her loss but know that the memories created will keep her beautiful smile and soul forever in our minds!
September 15, 2015
Heaven has gained an angel
Naomi Lambert
September 14, 2015
I am terribly sorry to hear this news. Caitlin was a lovely young woman who we knew through middle and high school. Please accept my sincerest sympathies for this heartbreaking event.
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