Leona G. Kelly

Leona G. Kelly passed away peacefully in her home on Friday March 4, 2022. Mom was born in El Paso Texas to Jack and Thelma Gillespie.  She was the middle child with two older brothers, Sidney and Fred and a younger brother Jack and sister Janet.  Mom attended Ysleta High School and after graduation she married the love of her life, James William Kelly on February 8th, 1959.  They had 3 children, James Jr, Steve, and Karen.  Mom worked at the telephone company in El Paso.  In 1978, the family relocated to Eastern Idaho.  Mom worked at the INEL where she met some lifelong friends and her involvement in the church grew.   Mom supported Dad throughout his Deaconate training, attending classes and retreats where they made numerous lifelong friends. Some of her favorite memories were at the Deaconate campouts in Grand jean.   In 1983, they moved to Boise and became a part of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church community.  Mom began working at Ore Ida and loved her friends she made.  She was involved in church prayer groups, bell choir and fund raisers.  She always found time to help in any way she was needed.  Mom was a loving wife and mother, a caring daughter to her parents who moved to Boise to be near her.  She loved taking care of her home and gardening.  You could always find her outside working in her yard or walking her dog. Mom also had a passion for sewing and making clothes for herself, potholders, quilts, and her favorite was making Halloween costumes for her grandkids and friend’s children.  Her favorite Holiday was Halloween, not only for the costumes but because it was her birthday, and the neighborhood kids would wish her Happy Birthday before Trick or Treat.

Mom had 3 grandchildren who were her world.  Patrick Kelly, Hunter Damico Carroll and Gabrielle Damico. She was very intentional about spending time with them and created many wonderful memories.  Mom was very proud of them and was very excited to meet her 2-great grandbabies coming in July.

Mom loved the many friends she had throughout her neighborhood, the Sacred Heart community, and the entire Diocese of Boise. Mom was a servant of God and served him, as her friends and family well.

Leona is preceded in death by her parents; Jack and Thelma Gillespie, her two older brothers, Sid and Fred, and the love of her life; her husband James Kelly.