Judith Ann (Smith) Kelley

Judith Ann (Smith) Kelley, age 77, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side, June 5th, 2020 due to complications from metastatic breast cancer. She was born January 29, 1943 in Elyria, Ohio to Norman and Dorothy Smith. She married the love of her life and best friend, Dennis Eugene Kelley on November 12, 1960. He survives.

Judie first and foremost, loved her Lord. She extended that love throughout her life to her husband, family and friends. Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible passages, Corinthians 13:4-8, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud….etc

Judie’s passion for life was contagious. She searched continuously for the good times and found many. If she found anyone willing to search for those times with her, she gladly shared the fun and laughter those times produced.

She was tenderhearted and merciful imitating the example set by the brightest light in her life, Jesus. She would help anyone in need. She sacrificed always her comfort and well being for the sake of others. She was supported in this part of her journey by her Cursillo friends, as an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy, and also by her family and friends. All of them benefiting from these gifts.

After a later life decision to go back to school, Judie received her respiratory license. It was an especially rewarding accomplishment that enabled her to do work that helped others. She retired from her work as a respiratory therapist in 2005.

Judie is survived by her brother, Tom Smith and sister, Barb (Smith) Davies.

The greatest sum of her affection went to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their spouses and partners. Judie is survived by three sons and a daughter- Jerry Kelley (Cindy), Jon Kelley (Colleen), Denise Biddle (Jamie) and Jim Kelley (Christina Resto-Tiberio). Judie had ten grandchildren - Zach Kelley, Josh Kelley, Sarah Harner, Danny Kelley, Jacob Kelley, Matt Biddle, Joe Biddle, Andy Biddle, Emily Phandanouvong and Allison Kelley. She also had 17 beautiful great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Judie was welcomed to heaven by her infant children, Juanita & James.

A celebration of her life will take place Tuesday, June 9^th beginning with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Catholic Church in Gibsonburg, Ohio at 10 am followed by a private family graveside service. A luncheon and swimming will be provided at noon at the home of Jerry and Cindy Kelley, 10245 Twp. Rd 36 Fostoria, Ohio for anyone wanting to share memories and celebrate Judie’s life with the family.

Memorial Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in Fremont.

If you are unable to attend but would like to be added to the families register book, please call 419-637-2026.