Kelly A. Saucerman

Many things can be said about Kelly Saucerman. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Kelly was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Kelly was born on December 5, 1959 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Her parents were Gordon and Elizabeth McGinnis. Kelly was raised in Milwaukie, Oregon. When she was young, Kelly's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Kelly demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Kelly grew up with one sibling. She had a younger sister, Mary. Kelly was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Kelly carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Kelly was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Kelly was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Kelly could easily relate to other kids. She was a Blue Bird, then Campfire Girl. At about 10 years old she was involved with American Legion Junior Auxilary. In her spare time she liked to listen to music, attend concerts, collect records, knit quilts and embroidering. Kelly's memorable achievements included receiving several ribbons for cooking in 4-H club. However, to Kelly, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Kelly had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Milwaukie High in 1978. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Kelly had a talent for becoming kind of a social catalyst. Kelly was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Kelly as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. The teachers she enjoyed learning from the most were "handsome" Mr. Bohlman and her English teacher, Mrs. McGinnis. Kelly was very good in math, business and could be found on the Honor Roll.

Kelly did well in college, as a result of her being intuitive and finely organized. She graduated from North Western Business College in 1983. Her favorite course was business. Kelly also made the Dean's list. The skill of being a good communicator helped Kelly immensely during her college days. No matter what class it was, Kelly was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that her college experience provided.

Always considered a “good” friend, Kelly sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Kelly always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Kelly’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Kelly would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Kelly was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Ellen Harris, Darcy Hayden, and Kim Stansberry. Later in life, she became friends with Anna Whitaker, Elaine Medealf, Darey Saucerman, Fran Job, and a host of other very good friends.

Kelly’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Kelly shared these values with her two children, two sons, Brandon and Dillon. Kelly was also blessed with two grandchildren, River and Aidan. Kelly related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Kelly experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was insurance claims processor. She was employed for over 20 years in the insurance industry. Kelly always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Kelly took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Kelly was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Kelly continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Because she was organized and methodical, Kelly took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Needle Point, traveling, and entertaining. Kelly enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Kelly derived much satisfaction from sports. Because she was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Kelly delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Recreational sports included fishing and volleyball. Kelly was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams' events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were enjoying the NBA Playoffs and the MLB World Series.

Kelly enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Kelly were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included ocean cruises, South America, the Carribean, and Mexico. Aslo vacationing in Hawaii and numerous trips to Wallawa Lake as a child and adult.

Kelly was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Kelly's favorite was Hinnie Hound, a Dashound dog. They were best friends for 12 years. From that point on, she usually had a dog as a family member.

Kelly passed away on February 16, 2010 at home in Portland, OR. Kelly fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband, two sons, two grandsons, mother, sister, three brother in laws, and many other family members. Services were held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Kelly was laid to rest in Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland, OR.

Throughout her life, Kelly was a gracious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Kelly leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Kelly.