SHARLENE MARY KELLY (JOHANSON)

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SHARLENE MARY KELLY (nee JOHANSON) November 6, 1942 - February 9, 2008 Peacefully at home and surrounded by family, Sharlene Mary Kelly quietly passed away on February 9, 2008. Remaining to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 47 years Fred; sons, Bradford (Jill), Donald (Wendi), and David; sisters, Yvonne Busch, Beatrice Metzler, Christine Johanson; and brother John (Steve) Johanson. Sharlene was born November 6, 1942, in Rainy River, Ontario, the second daughter of Elsie and Arthur Johanson. Her earliest years were spent in Spahn, Ontario. She was an active and inquisitive child, always asking questions of her mother and father. She loved to walk to McGinnis Creek to catch frogs with her older sister Yvonne and cousin Robert. Later, after the family moved to Fort Frances, Ontario, she loved to ride on the back of Dad's speeder to the Five Mile Bridge where the family would picnic, play, pick berries, and swim. Sharlene was always agile and athletic. In grade school she was one of the first to be picked for team sports. Her forte was figure skating. Sharlene loved music and was a wonderful dancer, a favourite partner at the grade seven and eight square dances on Friday evenings at the Sixth Street School. She was not only athletic but an A student as well. She had a flair for the written word and loved to write poetry, short stories and travelogues, most of which she wrote for friends and relatives or just for fun. She met Fred Kelly, her husband of 47 years, while attending Fort Frances High School. They were married on July 29, 1961 in Fort Frances and went on to have three wonderful children. Sharlene defined her life in great measure on the care, comfort and well-being of her family. Her selfless devotion to their happiness is what brought her the greatest joy. She encouraged her children to follow their dreams and loved to follow their adventures and successes. Sharlene was quick to make friends and was never too busy to make time for others, to lend a sympathetic ear or a helping hand to anyone in need. Sharlene's kindness will be remembered by everyone whose life she touched. Her wisdom, her wonderful sense of humour and her love of life and family will never be forgotten. Although Sharlene's life with us was all too short, in her time with us she demonstrated the highest qualities of strength, grace and love. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the Palliative Care nurses and staff, CancerCare Manitoba. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 15, 1:00 p.m. at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg. Donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, Room 1160, 675 McDermott Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. 982-7550

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2008