August 27, 1993 – December 25, 2010
Keely passed away peacefully Christmas Day evening, after a long battle with Juvenile’s Huntington’s Disease, with her Grandma and her best friend by her side. She is survived by her grandmother Jan Todd, mother Meaghan Todd (Stavros), father Lance Kennedy, grandparents Barb and Vic Kennedy, great-grandfather Clive Balfour, Auntie Mandy Kempster (Dan), cousin William, Uncle Bob Kennedy (Angie), cousins Colton, Alicia and Robyn, her best friend Lisa Pryer, her Auntie ‘Colle LeJeune, her cat Booger and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. We will miss her infectious laugh, her beautiful smile and her absolute love of life. Keely’s obsession with stuffies often had Grandma threatening to buy a bigger house just to hold them all! She spent 4 years riding with Victoria Riding for the Disabled and absolutely loved “her” horse Faensi. She attended McKenzie Elementary School, Colquitz Middle School and was in Grade 11 at Spectrum Community School. A special mention to Etta Epp, her educational aide and friend, who has been with Keely since Grade 6, and whom Keely loved dearly. Keely had a love of hockey, especially the Victoria Salmon Kings (her “cutie patooties”) and particularly her friend Marty the Marmot. The presentation of one of Wes Goldie’s jerseys before he left the team was one of the happiest days of her life.
We would like to acknowledge the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Shriners Club, Variety Club, President’s Choice Children’s Charity, and Giving In Action, whose generosity enriched Keely’s life in the last few years, and allowed her to remain at home with Grandma. A very special thanks to the wonderful staff of 4 North VGH Paediatrics, especially Erin, Heather and Jill, the amazing staff at Victoria Hospice, and the home nurses and caregivers who allowed Keely to have nearly a month at home before entering Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Keely’s memory to any of the above charities, VGH Paediatrics, Victoria Riding for the Disabled, the Huntington’s Society of Canada or Victoria Hospice.
A Memorial service for Keely will be held at McCall Bros., 1400 Vancouver St., Victoria, on Friday, December 31, 2010 at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow. The family requests that if you have a Salmon Kings or Vancouver Canucks jersey, please wear it to the service in honour of Keely. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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vict resident
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Lisa Heller Boragine Heard about keeley’s passing from Alison and Ben Nye (I am Ben and Alison’s neice) and although I only had the opportunity to meet Keeley once, at their wedding, I remember her smiling face and lovely spirit. She was a sparkplug!
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janet andreae I am so sorry to hear of Keely’s passing. I volunteer with Victoria Riding for the Disabled and have handled Keely’s horse on a couple of occasions. She had the most beautiful smile and it never seemed to fade as long as she was on Faensi. I am sure she is smiling somewhere now. I know there are horses in heaven.
Janet.
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Elsie Mah Dear Jan…..We are so sorry to hear of Keely’s passing. We just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I know she was your precious little angel ! She was so blessed to
have such a wonderful grandmother !! Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Love and prayers,
Lloyd & Elsie Mah
Lloyd & Hildi Neufeld
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Karli Breikss I feel very fortunate to have known Keely, and always looked forward to her wonderful smile, her infectious laugh, and all of the news she wanted to share. I am so sorry I was out of town for her memorial.
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Linda Powell Jan. Wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time. It is nice to read how much she was loved by so many, and what an impact she had on so many lives.
Linda and Gerry Powell
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Wendy I just can’t say enough about how wonderful Keely was. She has been a real inspiration to a lot of people including myself. Her short time spent in our lives has touched so many people in different ways. For me she has taught me patience and unconditional love. I enjoyed every minute I spent with Keely joking around while cutting her hair. I am truly saddened by her passing. I know that whatever world she is in now , she is happy, running, playing and singing her favorite disney tunes out of pain and discomfort.
Keely wherever you are I know you have a loving embrace around the ones that loved you most that are trying to heal their broken hearts. You will be dearly missed my young friend. Much love, Wendy.
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Jerami Kennedy rest in peace Keely
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Etta Epp BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE!
You’re the reason I got up every, morning, just to WITNESS your smile, HEAR your laughter, and FEEL your affection! You are VERY SPECIAL!…as you picked the perfect time to depart, and the PERFECT DAY of the Year to bring closure….SUNSHINE, BEAUTY, LOVE, & JOY! You were an ANGEL with a MISSION! I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER, KIDDO! Jan, you will be forever a part of me!
Your Ms. Epp, Aide, Ally, Confidante, & Mentor, Forever!
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Ed Bain I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Keely, I only met her a few times but each was most memorable for me as she was always so full of enthusiasm.
My sincere condolences to all members of Keely’s family I will make a donation to Victoria Hospice in her name today.Ed Bain
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Danielle Preyser I’m so sorry to hear of Keely’s passing. Love and prayers to the family, especially Jan. I looked after Keely at McKenzie Kids Klub adn loved our time together. She was such a happy, lovely girl! She will be missed.
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Helen and Richard Corkum I am so sorry to here of Keeley’s passing. Whenever Janet or Clive talked about her they always had a smile on their faces. She was their sunshine.
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Krista Meikle Keely I remember you coming to see see me at Safeway. How happy you were when you saw me. I will miss you. I send my Sympathy to the family. Sorry for your loss. Keely always had a beautiful smile on her face when she saw me at Safeway. From Krista Meikle
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Thora Hoban Dear Jan,
I am so sorry to read of Keely’s passing. I was surprised to read that she was 17 yrs old as the last time I saw her she was a little girl. She was so lucky to have you for a grandmother and best friend. I know how much you will miss her. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Thora
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Joe Watkin Codolences to you and your family. My memories of Keely are
of an infectious smile. The world could do with many more
of those.
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Karen (Fletcher) Fraser Dear Jan
I am so saddened to read of your tremendous loss. I can’t even imagine your heartache. You are a very special Grandma. Thinking of you with love and prayers
As ever
Karen
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Louise Kennedy Keely’s young life was all too short, but her loved ones were blessed by the time they spent with her. My sincere condolences.
— Louise Kennedy
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Melinda Cownden My heart felt thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Jan you are also an angel. Your wings are there, you just can’t see them. Keely will live in all our hearts very much alive forever…….
Lots of love
Melinda
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Pat Blundon Jan, I was so sorry to open up my e-mail today and read about Keely.
Christmas day.. sad, but fitting, as she was special…
as are you!
Love,
Pat Blundon
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Wendy Polsson Jan and Family
Deepest sympathy on hearing of Keely’s passing. I’ve seen you many times in passing at Safeway, since the kids moved on from Colquitz and wondered how you were making out. Keely’s bright smile will be missed by all who met her.
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Wes Goldie & family Thinking of you at this difficult time,
Keely will always be my number 1 fan…
So sorry I am unable to attend the memorial, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet her.
Sincerely,
Wes Goldie & family
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Sharon O'Dornan Keely was so happy talking about her special interests – feeding apples to Faensi, favourite music, and how her cat Booger got his name. Just last summer she enjoyed sailing and the climbing wall at Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan. Keely’s enthusiasm made her a joy to work with and she will be missed.
Sharon O’Dornan, SET-BC
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Pat Coverdale Past President VRDA Keely’s courage and winning smile will be missed
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Jeanette Lake I am so very sorry for your loss i met you and your granddaughter at my brother Michael’s bench last year at Beacon hill park. Your granddaughter is free now and is now your angel. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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linda Whitelaw Keely , your heart was filled with beauty and love. Only knowing you for a short amount of time you touch my heart deeply!! You fought an amazing battle Against JHD. You will never be forgotten <3
God saw you getting tired and closed your beautiful eyes and took you with him, He also took apart of everyone you touch!!
you will be sadly missed at all the salmon kings games and event!!!Jan you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts everyday, i know what i say wont take the pain away!! just know that if you ever need anything just ask!!
R.I.P Angel ( your now my Christmas angel and A True Marty's Angel )
Love forever and always
Linda Whitelaw ( Victoria Salmon Kings Booster Club )
xxxxxx
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Oona hayes My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Keely. She had a great heart and I remember lots of Keely stories from the family, especially from William. I cannot attend her service, and have noted the charities for donation. I will honor Keely with a donation to hospice, so that others can benefit from the excellent care there.
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Janice Stephens-Bell I know its hard as i lost my daughter to jhd also. And nothing i say can take away your pain. I just wanted to let you know i care. I am praying for you and sending kind, loving thoughts. May God bless you and keep you close to his heart. Much love. Janice.
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Robert Hehn I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Keely was a spirited girl who tried hard to be the best that she could be. I am glad she had so many happy moments before her passing. Bless you for your caring while she was alive.
Mr. Hehn
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Sherry Byram Keely although I did not know you personaly, you fought a courageous fight against Huntington’s Disease. Now you are one of God’s little Angel’s We all loved you.
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Linda Stollenwerk I am so sorry Jan and family. Heaven has a beautiful new angel. All our love to you all…..Linda, Mia, and family
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Victoria Salmon Kings Booster Club God’s Garden
God looked around his garden,
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you,
And lifted you to rest;
God’s garden must be beautiful-He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain;
He knew you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And hills were hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered,
“Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone,
For a part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
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PATTY MABRY So very sorry about Keely, but Heaven has gained a wonderful little Angel who I know will help God find a cure for HD. RIP wonderful little lady.
P. Mabry
New Mexico USA…
Keely might have liked this biological, aetheistic poem to be read to her family and friends –
do not stand at my grave and cry,
i am not there; i did not die.
i am a thousand winds that blow,
i am the diamond glints on snow.
i am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight;
i am the stars that shine at night.
do not stand at my grave and cry,
i am not there; i did not die.
long hugs.