Dee ‘s Mom and mine met in Junior High at Skinner and were friends for many years before losing track. Dee and I met in Sixth grade class. There we learned about our Mothers friendship, and the fact that she and I lived one block apart.  We stayed close through school, then Dee was one of my bridesmaids, After that the miles between us grew long and eventually we lost track of one another.  About 5 years ago we met in a local hair salon, and discovered we lived one mile apart. We vowed to never lose track again, and remained friends to the end. I miss you so much good friend!
Carol Hardy Matthews

Dee was a loving ❤ staff member of FHE, and I was blessed to have worked with her as a fellow teacher at FHE for many years. Dee was a kind and gentle soul and loved her family as well as her school family and friends. Dee would light up a room with her smile and loving nature. Dee had a connection and bond with her students that will always be remembered.  Dee was an inspiration to many, and I will miss her smile and loving spirit. The last time I saw and spoke with Dee at a FHE Retired Teachers Coffee gathering at Starbucks, she beamed that infectious smile and positive attitude even though she was battling that terrible disease. That special memory will always be within my heart. Love you my friend.

My Aunt Dee came into my life far later than I would have liked. After both of our parents passed away in 2022, she stepped in and offered so much love and care, with her regular check ins, kind messages, heartfelt concern and smile that could light up any room. I am so sad I didn’t have more time with this amazing woman but so very grateful that I was able to share the precious little time with her that I had.  I will miss her sassy wit and zest for life and the way she made my heart feel lighter. She was an angel to me at a time where I really needed motherly love and I am so grateful to have been blessed by her sweet spirit. ✨💖✨

Dee was not only my youngest child’s third grade teacher, she was a fellow band parent, a fellow FHE staff member, and my friend.  She always had a smile on her face and I strived to have the positive attitude that she had.  I admired her connection with her students and how she remembered them long after they were no longer in her class.  I enjoyed hearing stories of her life and felt a connection because I also grew up in Westminster.  Dee had the most loving and caring attitude and I will miss her a lot.

Whether it be an annual meetup at the Festival Italiano, or watching the parade on St. Patrick's Day, our family always looked forward to spending it with Aunt Dee and Uncle Norm. She was far more than an aunt, or great aunt to us. She was always checking in on us, somehow managing to keep track of all of the important dates and activities happening in our lives. We loved meeting up at neighborhood restaurants, sharing travel stories, looking at travel pictures, and catching up on life.  Her smile and laughter will be missed and family traditions will never be the same without her. But, we are so grateful to be able to hold on to so many special memories of the time we were able to spend with her. And we're especially grateful that our daughters had someone like her to look up to as a great aunt. Thank you for everything, Aunt Dee. We all love you so much. 

Matt, Denise, Giada & Aria

From Cheri Roberts and Louise Taylor:  We enjoyed many good times with Dee!  Cheri got to know Dee when they taught together at Federal Heights Elementary.  Dee always brought expertise, fun and humor to our work there.  After retirement, as couples, we enjoyed outings to Dazzle Jazz club, and shared dinners at home and out.  During Covid, we played bingo on Zoom with Dee and Norm.  Louise and I volunteered with Dee at the Northglenn Homeless Shelter.  Even as Dee's health declined, we got together to enjoy meals, game night, concerts in the park, political activism and just visits.  Dee was our kind, positive, loving friend, and we miss her very much.  Here's a toast to her (one that she always said):  "Happy Days!"

There she is, Dee O’Kelly, smack dab in the middle of the people that will always love and cherish her!!! Shine on, sweet one, until we meet again!!!
Anita Lehrer with her Federal Heights friends

Sharing a birthday with my own twin has always been special, but sharing it with my Aunt Dee for 42 years was an absolute honor ❤️ I always appreciated her positivity, enjoyment of “teacher stories,” and bright smile. However, I learned far more than I ever could’ve imagined from her as I watched her tackle a cruel battle with cancer the past couple of years. Never, in my life, have I witnessed more grace, selflessness, and positivity than during this time. We could all be so lucky to learn a lesson or two from her journey. We will all miss her dearly, and Remi will especially miss FaceTimes with her GrAunt Dee, but I find comfort in knowing she’s at peace and with so many loved ones again ❤️🙏🏼

Dee was a wonderful women. I will always remember how she welcomed me as an adopted family member, when I needed family support. She was kind,  funny and caring. She will be missed.

We had so much fun on short adventures. 
Grandma decided to join us  in spirit.

I am so blessed to have known Dee has a colleague at Federal Heights Elementary and as a friend long after we had both retired. Dee radiated positive light and always had a kind word for everyone. She will be missed at our Monday Starbuck’s gathering of retired FHE friends.

Dee O’Kelly was a strong and gracious person. She dealt with her adversities with equanimity and bravery. I am grateful that I was able to get to know her and her husband Norm over the course of many years. We will miss her very much.

I remember many Christmas Eve shots of Anett with Deed. Many fond memories. She will be missed.

Dee was a blessing to her husband,Nick, and a wonderful mother. She was a great school teacher and always seemed to be positive and upbeat -even the last time I saw her in Arvada last year. My sympathies to her children and relatives - I am a cousin to her late husband.

OBITUARIO

Diedra Ann Gillespie O'Kelly

10 septiembre, 1944 – 2 octubre, 2024

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland

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