Kelley entered our family in 2014 in a flurry of chatter, loud laughter and warm hugs. Her bright soul lit up Stevie’s life. She was generous and immediately participated in all of our family traditions. She vacationed with Barbara and Allen, visited with Steve’s Mom who was alive back then and his Dad, and hosted holiday gatherings for us. When we downsized, she arrived at my door with food on our very first night in our new home. When she came to our homes she brought deliciously prepared desserts, appetizers and such. As you may know Italian families are all about the food- so to say that she outdid us with amazing dishes, is no small accolade.
Kelley and Steve were always so kind to me. I brought home a puppy 3 years ago. They were willing to puppy sit so Mike and I could get away for a few days. They even had Lola back then and Harvey is a regular- so basically they turned themselves into Free Boarding for Dogs. I became sick and had to be hospitalized more than once in 2020. Kelly and Steve took my puppy who was still stealing socks and insisting on sleeping on Steve’s head. Kelley cared for her, sometimes for days at a time. When Mike picked her up Kelley sent home an entire bag of food and soups for us to eat during my recuperation. Kelley even invited my dog to Thanksgiving just last year- when my little dog managed to steal a deviled egg from the appetizer table- then ran to the front door, and when I got her outside, she projectile puppy puked on the front lawn. I thought Steve was going to kill me! But nothing phased Kelley. She thought it was funny and laughed. Kelley hosted Barbara’s 70th birthday party this past February, and she never missed out on an opportunity to give.
Kelley treated Chelsea, Tim, Eric, Heather, Cristiana and Sean as her very own nieces and nephews. They truly loved her. She attended their weddings, graduations, showers, and every milestone. Kelley treated Alex and Diana with the same warm acceptance, inclusiveness and generosity. She also became close to cousins Sal and Donna.
Kelley taught all of us to live free, be generous, don’t worry so much, love fully, forgive quickly and that every day can be a good day. On behalf of all of us in Steve’s family–We love you Kel- you impacted Steve’s life, and our entire family in such a beautiful way. And we miss you so very very much. Luv ya KEL!
