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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
rest in peace Keely
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!
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
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.
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.