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 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
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
Codolences to you and your family. My memories of Keely are
of an infectious smile. The world could do with many more
of those.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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