Ruth and Michael Purcell

My name is Kelly Purcell-Martinez. Daughter of Michael and Ruth Purcell. My parents have both passed, my father of Pancreatic cancer on June 4th 2005, and my beautiful mother very suddenly and completely unexpected on August 10th, 2022. My father was 53 years old and my mother was 65.

My parents were two of the best human beings to walk the earth. They weren’t perfect, but they were pretty close. I believe they were they way God wants all of us to be. Kind, giving, loving, supportive, respectful and gracious. They were the example of what marriage should be, and shared a deep love that is very rare. It was beautiful to watch that growing up.

My dad was quiet, and reserved but when he spoke, you listened. He was hysterical, and I don’t know anyone who had more sayings than him. He dedicated his life to teaching in the Washingtonville School District for almost 30 years. His biggest gift was his love of baseball and the countless athletes whose lives he changed as their coach. He taught the players the importance of commitment, being humble, hard work and playing the game with integrity. Lessons I’m sure they all took with them through life.

My mother was full of life. She loved to be with her family, her friends and just loved being around people. She was a giver. She gave everything she had to taking care of my father and her children and grandchildren. She was the most reliable, dependable, selfless person I ever knew. She put every single person in her life before herself. She lived 17 years without my father and I can’t imagine how incredibly hard that was for her every single day. She was strong, brave and formidable. I pray to have her strength as I learn to live this new life without her, without them.

I turn 40 years old on April 26th 2023. For my birthday, in their memory, I will be walking 60 miles in the month of April. I am asking for donations to support my cause. My mother was passionate about many things in life but after my fathers cancer diagnoses and passing, she became very invested in pancreatic cancer research. She worked closely with The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. She also was deeply passionate about animals, especially dogs, in particular, beagles. She often would donate to the BeFreegle Foundation, a foundation committed to stopping the use of beagles for lab testing. This foundation also frees and places mistreated beagles in loving, caring homes where these amazing dogs get a second chance at life.

All of the funds raised, will be split 50/50 between both Foundations, in Michael and Ruth Purcell’s name.

No donation is too small. I appreciate anything you can give to help keep their memory alive for myself, ourfamily, our friends and anyone whose life they may have touched. I will be posting my walks. Due to weather, some will be in my home on the treadmill, but I’m most are outside in the Wallkill/Walden rail trail. If you’re up for a walk one day, please join me. It would be wonderful to walk and share stories and memories of my parents with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Always remember, if you’re lucky enough to have one or both of your parents, spend time with them, laugh with them, go places together, make memories, hug them, and make sure they know how much you love them. ❤️❤️❤️