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.
32 Responses
Keely’s courage and winning smile will be missed
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
I am so sorry Jan and family. Heaven has a beautiful new angel. All our love to you all…..Linda, Mia, and family
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.
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…