Patricia Ann Kelly

Patricia Ann Kelly (73) passed away on August 21, 2026, after a long illness. She was born in Springfield, IL the eldest daughter of Peter and Doris Kelly. Pat graduated from Chatham Glenwood High School with honors and earned a BS in Zoology from the University of Arkansas. She completed graduate level coursework in Biology at Sangamon State University. Pat worked as a medical textbook proofreader for Thomas Publishing and in medical research for SIU School of Medicine. She was an environmental researcher for the Illinois EPA and the Illinois State Museum. She also worked as a toxicologist for the Illinois Department of Health.

Pat is survived by a brother Alan (Sheila) Kelly of Elizabeth, CO and a sister Peggy (Curt) Lambdin of Columbia MO. She cherished her role as aunt to six nieces and nephews and their children. Pat is also survived by an aunt and uncle, Ellen and Gary White, and several cousins. She was preceded in death by both her parents and her sister Pam Martin.

In her youth Pat was active in scouting and it fostered a lifelong love of nature. She grew up on Lake Springfield and enjoyed the great outdoors. In college she discovered the beauty of the Ozark forests through canoeing, rappelling and camping. Her happiest memories were of hiking and camping in state and national parks after college. She enjoyed traveling to visit family and went on a long road trip exploring the American West. She was a loving and faithful caregiver to her elderly mother for many years. Pat was a generous person who was always willing to share what she had with others. She never forgot a family birthday. She had a tender heart for rescue animals and dearly loved her pets. Although she battled a long and difficult illness, Pat never lost her faith in God. She is with the angels now, at peace and freed from suffering.

The family would like to thank those caregivers who understood the healing power in simple acts of kindness.

A graveside service for family will be held at a later date at Chatham cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to an animal rescue organization of the donor’s choice are suggested.