Andrea Kelly

It is with sadness we share that Andrea DeNote Kelly passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021. There is joy that she is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and experiencing complete healing being in Jesus’ presence. We, however, will miss her so much. A wonderful mother and an especially loving and fun Nana, Andrea ran the race well, always keeping her eye on her Heavenly Father. He is her true peace. Andrea lived in Laguna Hills, California at the time of her passing.

Andrea was born in Nanticoke, PA on November 4, 1938, to Anthony P. DeNote and Hedwig Dobkowski. Andrea was one of four siblings with brothers, Anthony DeNote Jr. (Tony) and Charles DeNote (Chuckie) and sister, Janice Graham. Chuckie preceded Andrea in his earthly passing. Andrea spent most of her early years in Havertown, PA through the 8th grade. The family moved to Miami Beach, FL where Andrea spent her high school years. Andrea’s mother passed away while Andrea was in high school, leaving a large hole in the family. Andrea attended college, first at Barry University in Miami Shores and then at Webber University in Babson Park, FL.

Andrea met her first husband, Neal Edwin Ausman Jr. in 1957 and they were married on July 4, 1958, in Harlingen, Texas. Neal, a West Point graduate, and Andrea lived first on Harlingen Air Force Base and then moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire where Neal was stationed at Pease Air Force Base. It was here in Portsmouth that Andrea gave birth to her two daughters, first Lisa Marie and then 16 months later, Christine Ann.

After a few cold years in NH, the family moved to Miami to be closer to Andrea’s family and then in 1967, the family moved across the country to Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA for Neal’s work family and to be closer to his family. Andrea’s first marriage ended in 1971.

Andrea was a mother and a successful career-woman, working mostly in sales positions. Andrea’s most enjoyable job was working at Palos Verdes Health Club selling gym memberships and she sold a lot of memberships! Andrea met the love of her life, John Roger Kelly in 1973 and tied-the-knot on December 14, 1974. John and Andrea’s union was the beginning of a beautiful and successful marriage.

Career opportunities would take Andrea and John from Palos Verdes to Long Beach in 1980, then to Huntington Beach. Andrea continued to commute to Palos Verdes for a few years continuing her work at Palos Verdes Health Club. Andrea developed many healthy hobbies including hiking and jogging. Later she would take her love of hiking to visit one of her favorite destinations, Bryce Canyon. Also, one of Andrea’s favorite residences was in Belmont Shores (Long Beach area) with its many canals for walking.

Andrea was a devoted mother throughout her life, but nothing compared to her devotion to her grandchildren. Andrea, known as Nana, helped Christy, while Christy continued to work, by sharing parenting responsibilities, first with Kevin Christopher and then with babysitting granddaughter, Jennifer Paige. Such rich memories! Lisa had two daughters, Whitney Nicole and Victoria (Tori) Rose, in which Nana also babysat, went to performances, games, and took them to theme parks. Nana’s creative imagination led to many silly games. She could take a simple scarf and change her voice and voila, she was a Czechoslovakian shoplifter. Being Nana became her favorite role.

John Kelly, Andrea’s husband, would leave us all too soon, passing in December of 1998. Andrea became an extended member of both Christy and Lisa’s families after this loss. Though Andrea continued working various jobs, being Nana made her the happiest.

Andrea stayed active though her 70’s by participating in Bible Studies, gardening and decorating. She continued to hike and enjoyed walking. Her final years were spent with friends and her family. Countless hours were shared with her daughters and these memories are very much cherished by them. Andrea was a spirited woman with a fantastic sense of humor. She is greatly missed.

Andrea Kelly leaves behind her daughters and sons-in-law; Lisa Leets and Tim Leets, Christy Hudson and Brad Hudson, and four grandchildren Kevin Hudson, Jenny Hudson, Whitney Leets, and Tori Leets. Andrea also leaves behind brother Anthony DeNote and wife Pat DeNote, sister Janice Graham and husband, Jim Graham. We were blessed to have her love for 82+ years.