In Memory of Kelly Gradwohl: daughter, sister, mom, friend

Every year, Kelly insisted everyone open gifts from her on Christmas Eve; She couldn’t wait to bring joy and cheer to others and there was no waiting until Christmas Day for Kelly. And there was no saying “no” to opening her gifts on Christmas Eve.

Maybe she knew there was no guarantee for tomorrow.

She lived life in the moment. I think she knew how short life was. Kelly has the innate ability to light up a room and was instantly friends with everyone she met. Whether you have known her for an hour, a year or decades, you would say the same.

Kelly is one of three sisters, mother to two girls and auntie or friend to so many more. Her dad (Bernie), mom (Dotty), sisters (Lisa and Sharon), her daughters (Korena and Amanda) and so many more are devastated with her sudden death. There will eternally be a hole in our family. Parents should never outlive their children, sisters should grow old together and reminisce about the good old days and kids should have watch their mom turn gray and wrinkly.

Kelly is my big sister, she drove me crazy, I made her mad, and through all that we were always sisters and loved each other. She loved her parents, her sisters, her daughters and her nieces and nephews. We all love Kelly and our lives will always be missing the energy she had around her.

Please help our family in any way you can with final arrangements. Kelly would always spend her last dollar on someone else, and I am reaching out to do the same for her.

In loving memory of my big sis Kelly Gradwohl ❤️

God took you too soon.