In Memory of Karen Kelly

Obituary

Karen Kelly
April 22, 1933 - January 12, 2024

Karen Kelly was born on April 22, 19393 to Mary Kelly and Joseph Kelly, founder of Jay-K Lumber. Raised in New Hartford, Karen was the second born, with five siblings: Kevin Kelly, Cainy Sloan, Claire Sturr, Christopher Kelly and Steve Kelly. For a summer job during high school, Karen enjoyed working at Jay-K in the back office doing bookkeeping. With an interest in business, Karen was a good student and attended University of Rochester to study business and education. Her first job out of college was as a teacher in Canastota.

Settling in New Hartford, Karen married Walter Fitzgerald, and grew a family of five children Jim, Marie, Anne, Theresa and Kathleen. Her home was bursting with kids, creativity, and crafts. Karen was talented artist, selling crafts and decorative painting. As the family grew up and out, Karen returned to her passion for business by doing taxes and commercial real estate. As an empty nester, she left upstate New York for adventures living in Charlottesville Va. and North Hampton Ma. As a life-long-learner, Karen was an early adaptor to alternative medicine, healthy eating and energy healing. Karen was dedicated to yoga, water aerobics and daily walks in nature.

Karen is survived by her brother, Christopher Kelly, and sister, Claire Sturr. Also her children: Jim Fitzgerald [San Jose], Marie and Dave Cunningham [Raleigh, NC], Anne and Steve Bonsted [New Hartford], Theresa Fitzgerald [New York City], and Kathleen Deck and Fred Deck [New Hartford] and seven grandchildren Kelly Humphries, Brady Bonsted, Scott Cunningham, Teresa Cunningham, Mike Cunningham, Cooper Deck and Caroline Deck. And six great-grandchildren Hannah, Jack, Tess, Ryan, Emma and Sophie.

Facing challenges over the years, Karen was resilient - her theme song by Nat King Cole was “…I pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again…” So now Karen is starting all over again in heaven.

Calling hours will be on Monday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., A service will follow at 11:00 AM.

Candle light brought Mom great joy - she was comforted by the warm flickering light. Please light a candle in memory of Karen.

In Memory of Karen, those who wish may make donations to the American Melanoma Foundation, https://melanomafoundation.org/donate

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com.