KAREN SUE KELLY

Karen Sue Kelly, 63, of Alpena, passed away at her home on Monday, July 24, 2023 after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. She was a loving, kind, and selfless, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend that will be dearly missed by many. Karen was born on Sept. 6, 1959 to Arthur and Gertrude (Zielaskowski) Samp in Alpena. Karen was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from Alpena High School in 1977. On June 21, 1980, Karen married the love of her life James Kelly at St. John Catholic Church of All Saints Parish. She worked for many years for Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency as a Payroll Accountant until her retirement in 2022.

There were many things that Karen enjoyed such as exercising, riding her bike, spending time with friends at the lake, and she loved to cook. But nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. Karen was a selfless woman who always put others first and always tried to make others happy. She was full of love, compassion, and kindness for her family and leaves behind countless joyful memories for her family to cherish. She was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2496 Ladies Auxiliary.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, James, two sons, Jason (Heather) Kelly of Battle Creek, MI., and Matt (Ashleigh) Kelly of Alpena, five grandchildren, Leigha, James, Kora, Elise, and Izaac, her parents, Arthur and Gertrude Samp, her siblings, Bernadine (Mark) Gagnon of Alpena, Michael (Patty) Samp of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Sharon (Ray) Hamilton of Dallas, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

In following Karen’s wishes, no funeral services will take place. A Celebration of her life will take place on September 9, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 2496 Canteen Lounge, 2900 Connon St., Alpena, Michigan, 49707. Memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Karpus Hunter & Ross Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.