Kelly M. McGill

Kelly M. McGill, 87, of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully at home on June 30. Kelly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hewitt M. McGill, as well as by her brothers and sisters, Manuel, John, David, Lily, Jessie and Basi. She is survived by her children, Kelly (Susan) Ellis, Keith (Suzanne) Orschell, Shirley (Albert) Canfield and John Orschell; step-daughter Stevie (John) Austin; grandchildren, Melissa, Erin, Keith, Kacey, Shelly, Kelly Margaret, Sandy Christy, Jonnie Lee, step-grandchildren Gary, Kenny, Monica, Craig, Kevin and Jazzie, great grandchildren Dillon and Gavin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Born in Kawaihau, Kauai, Hawaii in February 1927, Kelly was a long time resident of Naples, moving from Miami in 1962. She was the matriarch of Kelly’s Fish House Dining Room, a local seafood restaurant, which she and her late husband, Hewitt, began operating in 1971.

Kelly had a passion for traveling, having been inspired to see the wonders of the world by her fifth grade teacher in Kauai. She had no fear of trekking solo, flying over the Andes in a single engine plane with one pilot. She enjoyed the camaraderie of tour groups as well, whether traveling to the ruins of Guatemala or touring the Taj Mahal in India. She was ready to go anywhere, any time.

She also spent much of her time and energy on her plants, yard and pets and instilled that devotion in her children. Her favorite plants were, of course, the tropicals and orchids native to the land of her childhood. Everything thrived under her touch, from huge stag horn ferns to fish baskets filled with orchids that smell like chocolate. She was most happy out in the yard, with water hose in hand, tending to her flowers.

A Memorial Service will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34108 on Sunday, July 6 there will be a gathering at 10:00 a.m., with a service and interment to follow at 11:00 a.m.

The family would welcome flowers or a memorial contribution made in Kelly’s name to St. Matthew’s House, 2001 Airport Road South, Naples, FL 34112.

A special Thank You is given to all of her caregivers in her time of need.

“Mama” Kelly was loved and will be missed by her family, the community and the many friends who looked forward to seeing her at the restaurant.