Sylvia E. Kelly Obituary
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St. Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Sylvia will be laid to rest next to John at West Oshtemo Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Kairos Dwelling, c/o the funeral home.
Age 89, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sunday, July 6, 2025, just weeks shy of her 90th birthday.
Born on August 31, 1935, in Liverpool, England, Sylvia was the daughter of Eric and Elizabeth (Jones) Dawson. As a young woman, she lived in Canada and Australia before eventually immigrating to the United States with her husband, embracing each chapter of her life with grace, courage, and an open heart.
On January 7, 1956, she married John N. Kelly, her devoted husband for 50 years, who preceded her in death in 2006. Sylvia was well known for the grooming and boarding business she ran behind her house, where she lovingly cared for dogs and cats—but cared even more about the people who brought them.
Everyone who met Sylvia was instantly drawn in by her delightful British accent and her warm, welcoming spirit. She was always ready to share nutritional tips and advice, whether you asked for them or not—always with good intentions and a caring heart. She had a special fondness for figure skating and took great delight in watching it during the Winter Olympics, finding grace and inspiration in its artistry. Sylvia also found simple joy in the Hallmark Channel, chocolate chip mint ice cream, and most of all, in time spent with her beloved grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored.
Sylvia loved Jesus and was generous in her giving. Her Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served and attended local churches and Bible studies faithfully.
She is survived by her children: Lynn (Dan) Doyle of El Dorado Springs, MO; Michael (Karen) Kelly of Wayland; and Neil (Christie) Kelly of Kalamazoo; her grandchildren: Brandon, Darrin, Michael Jr., Dillon, Neil II, Mariah, Makenzie, Shawn, and Rachel; and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sisters: Norma Pratt, June (Bob) Clearwater, Brenda Richards, and Deanna Donbavant; along with several nieces, nephews, and many treasured friends.
In addition to her husband, Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Eric.
