Kelley, Catherine Ann, 68, of Flushing, MI, died peacefully in her sleep early Friday, July 6, 2018, with family and her beloved Westie terriers nearby. She succumbed to the stage 4 duodenal cancer she endured for nearly six years, all the while refusing to let illness define her life. Her watchword during much of this time was “Endurance”. She endured cancer, treatments, drain tubes, and miles of travel - but always treasured the victories of life.
Her family will receive visitors Thursday, July 12 at the Reigle Funeral Home Sunset Chapel, 5501 West Pierson Road, Flushing MI from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm. There will be additional visitation Friday, July 13 at St John Vianney Church, 2415 Bagley St, Flint, MI starting at 10:00 am, to be followed by a funeral mass at 11:00. Interment at New Calvary Cemetery in Flint Township.
Cathy was born April 22, 1950 in Jackson Heights, NY. Her family eventually returned to Flint, her mother’s home town, and for much of her youth lived in the Mott Park area. In the summer of 1967 she met W. Matthew Kelley, who soon became her steady boyfriend and eventual husband. Cathy attended St John Vianney Church, graduated from St John Vianney school in 1968, and went on to attend the University of Michigan-Flint, graduating in 1972 with a degree in education. She started teaching in the Flint Community Schools the following fall, spending her career at Potter Elementary and Coolidge Elementary Schools. She retired from the Flint Schools after 34 years of service, taught a year at St John Vianney School, followed by some seven years as Director of Education at the Flint Children’s Museum.
Cathy and Matt married in May of 1972 at St John Vianney and lived in Mott Park and Flushing throughout their lives. They have two sons, Jon Stuart Kelley and Aaron Matthew Kelley.
Cathy was preceded in death by her by father, Wolfgang E. Bauer, and her grandparents. Left to honor her memory are mother Elizabeth A. Bauer of Flushing; her husband of over 46 years, W. Matthew Kelley; her sons Jon (Elsa) Kelley of Astoria, Queens, NYC and Aaron (Emily) Kelley of Flushing, and their children Alexandra and Sebastian Kelley. She is survived by her brothers and sisters: Joanne (Ike) Wamer; Mark Bauer; Eric (Debbie) Bauer; MaryLee (Fred) Kay; Chris (Krista) Bauer, Marta (Mark) Barber, as well as Matt’s siblings, who consider her a sister; Deborah (Charles) Hooper; Mark (Kelly) Kelley; Michael (Lynelle) Kelley; Keith (Lynnae) Kelley; Katherine (Allen) Lisk, and many nieces and nephews.
Cathy was a near life-long member of St John Vianney parish. She was a long-time active member of the Great Lakes Swing Dance Club and the West Highland White Terrier Club of SE Michigan, and served on the boards of both organizations.
One of her greatest joys the last five years was spending time with her beloved grandchildren Alexandra and Sebastian. They provided a welcome contrast to the often burdensome chemotherapy, treatments and travel required to try to moderate her cancer.
Cathy’s family owes a debt of gratitude and thanks to Mark Zalupski, MD; Ashleigh Bielecki, PA; Gwen Hejna, PA; Julie Gibson, RN, and the staff at the University of Michigan Rogal Cancer Center. The impact of their care and treatment cannot be underestimated.
One of Cathy’s favorite verses in recent years were the words of the great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas:
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
For those who, in lieu of flowers, may wish to donate to charitable causes dear to Cathy, please consider the following: Fund for Discovery (Research) at UM Rogel Cancer Center - http://victors.us/catherineakelley St John Vianney School - http://sjvkids.org/Donate
Flint Children’s Museum - http://flintchildrensmuseum.org/support-us/donate-now/
By Endurance We Are Victors!
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