Elaine M. Kelly of Sun City, IL. Passed away May 4, 2023.
Born July 30th, 1938, to Francis and Elizabeth Klinkenberg in Chicago, where she spent most of her growing and educational years. She married the love of her life Thomas J. Kelly in August 1959. Her belief in the power of prayer, maintaining a cheerful outlook made all things possible, especially during her 12-year battle with Cancer. Being a wife, mom and grandma were her greatest joys. Teaching, new home sales, traveling, boating, tennis, gardening, and spending time with her loving family made her life, as she would say, “near perfect.”
Elaine is survived by her son, James (Rebecca) Kelly, grandson, Chad (Karlie), granddaughter, Megan, son, Daniel (Paula) Kelly, granddaughter, Amanda. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Helen Rachford, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, her parents, and stepbrother, Edward Rachford.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 4-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 10:00am St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Interment will be private. For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38015
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Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Elaine was a very special person and we were blessed to have her in our lives. We have many fond memories and fun times that we will treasure always. Ed & Joan Nastek
We offer our love and prayers for Elaine and family. She was so welcoming to us, and especially to our daughter, Karlie. We are sooty to miss her services, however you are all in our thoughts and prayers. All our love, Dave and Amy Ostdiek
Let us extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Elaine. She was a wonderful neighbor and we admired her strength with which she battled her cancer. May she rest in peace. God Bless.
I'll miss Elaine deeply, especially at this time of year. She loved spring and enjoyed walking around her yard checking all the new buds and making sure there was never a weed brave enough to poke its head in her yard. She was never shy about telling me I had some weeds or branches that needed picked up either! I loved our talks on her patio. She lived such an interesting and positive life. Sometimes, when my granddaughter was visiting and playing outside I'd hear a chuckle coming from her patio. At these times she wouldn't necessarily walk over to visit, she just enjoyed listening to a young child laugh and play. She truly enjoyed life. Elaine was a fabulous neighbor, an upbeat personality, and a friend I cherished. I will miss her with all my heart.
With Deepest Sympathy goes out to Elaine Kelly’s Family, Elaine will be missed. She was a wonderful Neighbor and Friend. Our Hearts reach out to yours at this difficult time, with Love and Blessings for Peace!
We only had the privilege of being Elaine’s neighbors for the past year and a half. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor. We greatly enjoyed her company. Elaine’s family was the love of her life and the truly most important thing to her. She was quite the warrior and fought a very brave battle to the end. She is at peace now and enjoying her Dunkin Donuts coffee with her husband, which we could tell she loved Dearly. Elaine made this world a better place and will truly be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all Elaine’s family! We were only Stonewater Xing neighbors for 3 years but truly loved Elaine’s smile and spirit!! She and Vic loved to share Northwestern stories!!! Go Cats!!!