Kathleen "Kelly" Colleen Filippi

Kelly was a selfless woman, a strong warrior, and a safe harbor for all. She had an appreciation for the simple things in life, including her love for Snoopy, and nothing came before her family. The love story between Kelly and her high school sweetheart, John, was legendary, and their daughters, Megan and Caitlin, were her “blessings”. Everyone who met her knew immediately the kindness she carried in abundance.

Kelly dedicated her life to over 40 years working in early childhood development. Leaving an impact on generations, Kelly often told stories of the children she taught to walk and talk as toddlers that later brought their own children into her care. She poured her heart into her work, giving not just her own daughters, but countless children a solid foundation built on love, music, imagination, and laughter. However, her favorite role was as ‘Nanny’ to her grandson. Despite her hard-fought battle, she spent his entire first year creating a wealth of joyous memories with him that will be cherished forever by her family.

Kelly reunites with her mother, Verla Lee Skunza; step-father Thomas Skunza; Mother and Father In-Law Henry & Jeanne Filippi; brother-in-law Joseph (Vicki) Filippi; sisters-in-law Jeanne (Robin) Fravel & Annette (Dave) Patterson. She is survived by John Filippi, her soul mate and husband of nearly 45 years; her daughters Megan (Jason) Scott, and Caitlin (Jake) Williams; her grandson Stephen “Turtle” Williams; father Regis McCafferty; brothers Regis (Kim) McCafferty and Sean McCafferty; sister Kathy Milner; brothers in-law Mike (Kris) Filippi, Jim (Deloris) Filippi, Mark (Beth) Filippi; sister-in-law Lori (Chris) Nordin; the many nieces and nephews she adored, and the thousands of children who she ‘mothered’ along the way.

“We love you more than Fruity Pebbles, Bubble.”

A Celebration of Kelly’s Life will take place Saturday, July 11th from 11:30a-2:30p at Holy Spirit Catholic Church: 4383 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, now known as Blood Cancer United.