September 20, 2008

Sad time for the Kelley family

Dave's father, H. Frederick (Fred) Kelley, had a very sudden massive heart attack on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, and died that night. He was only 73, and had been married to Martie for 48 years. It was a big shock to all of us. The three of us flew back to Virginia on Wednesday to be with Mom K; Dave's brother Doug got there the next day; and the Kelley extended family flew in all weekend. That's the only silver lining with funeral events -- it becomes a family reunion. Katie met lots of relatives she'd never met before (and Sara did, too, actually), and she was the primary tonic for her Nana. She seemed to understand that Granddad was gone, and was a real trooper all weekend.

The visitation and funeral were really lovely, surrounded by family and friends who came to celebrate Fred and his life. He would have been amazed - three priests and a deacon presided over the funeral mass! (You can see the obituary here.)



Here are some photos from the happier moments of the week:

Katie and her cousin (Dave's cousin, actually), Kimsey Kelley - she lives in Indianapolis

The Kelley clan: back row, L to R - Sara, Dave, Katie, Uncle Mark, Uncle Frank, Doug, Uncle Brian; middle - Aunt Shelley; front: Kimsey, Martie/Mom K/Nana, Aunt Rose Marie

We'll miss Fred/Dad/Dad K/Granddad. With love, Dave, What's-her-name, and Cutie Pie

No comments: