Sondra Frances Tesseyman

Sondra Tesseyman was never a woman to be described in half-measures. She lived life on her own terms — strong-willed, stubborn, and sometimes sharp-tongued, yet always generous and quick to help anyone in need. With Sondra, you never had to guess where you stood. She could be tough, even a little intimidating, but beneath it all was a fierce loyalty to the people she cared for.

Many will remember her as the force behind Kelly’s Bar, which was far more than just a business. Kelly’s was Sondra’s kingdom: her stage, her watchtower, and sometimes her living room. She kept a sharp eye on it all — sometimes literally through the cameras — and nothing escaped her notice. The bar was full of stories: poker games in the back, summertime “ladies-only” barbecues by the pool, and nights of laughter and conversation that people still talk about. Kelly’s wasn’t just a place to grab a drink; it was an extension of Sondra herself — lively, a little irreverent, and unforgettable.

Her relationship with her daughter, Fran, was as fiery and real as Sondra herself. They loved each other fiercely — and argued just as fiercely. Their bond was a mix of laughter, bickering, exasperation, and an unshakable love that nothing could undo. If you heard the two of them sparring, you knew there was no breaking that connection — it was simply their way, and it was theirs alone.

Sondra’s legacy is not neat or polished, and she wouldn’t have wanted it that way. Her legacy is one of grit and generosity, humor and irreverence. She showed us that life is best lived boldly, that toughness and tenderness can exist in the same breath, and that love doesn’t always look tidy — but it runs deep. She leaves behind laughter that still echoes, stories that will be retold for years, and a spirit that will never fade.

She left us laughing, crying, and maybe a little scared to disagree with her — just the way she wanted. Strong-willed, sharp-tongued, soft-hearted, and one hundred percent unforgettable, the Queen of Kelly’s now holds court in the sky. We love ya babe