Cora Anna Kelly

Cora “Corky" Anna Kelly

     Cora “Corky" Anna Kelly passed away on July 11th, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones in Gig Harbor, WA. She was a dedicated, caring, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Corky was born on November 12th, 1933 in Delphos, KS to George and Lela Keller. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Bill Kelly, her daughter, Joni Schick, her sister, Phyllis Duras, and brother, Jack Keller. In her early years, Corky moved with her family to Sunnyside, WA. She then moved to University Place where she grew up and graduated from Clover Park High School in 1952. As a young adult she attended the College of Puget Sound (UPS). 

     Corky married Bill Kelly and together they were long time residents of Gig Harbor and raised five children on Horsehead Bay. Corky was known by all as someone who was committed to her family and friends and who had a natural gift with people. She was caring, fun, and lively, a true matriarch with a strong moral compass. Corky played competitive tennis well into her 70’s and loved all of her “tennis sisters”. She was a devout Catholic and Guild Member at St. Nicholas Catholic Church and volunteered for many years at the Peninsula FISH Food Bank in Gig Harbor. Corky enjoyed all of her children’s and later grandchildren’s many sports activities throughout the years. She loved tennis, boating, skiing, cooking, entertaining, sports, making memories at their cabin in Packwood, WA, and spending time with many family and friends. 

     Corky lived a very full and blessed life. She is survived by her children; Blake Kelly, Patrick Kelly (Miscella), Kendra Carlton (Brett), Cortney Rushforth (Troy) and son-in-law, David Schick. Corky was a dedicated grandmother to eleven grandchildren; Amy Schick and Jake Schick (Kailee); Connor, Brenna and Cora Kelly; Zane, Drew, and Bo Carlton; Cole, Ty, and Ava Rushforth; and two great grandchildren; Chandler and Charlotte Schick. 

      Sincere gratitude goes to all the wonderful and supportive staff that cared for Corky at The Lodge at Mallard’s Landing as well as the CHI Franciscan Hospice Team. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 28th at 10AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 3510 Rosedale St., Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Reception to follow.

The family requests donations be made to Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank and Community Services, ghpfish.org, 4303 Burnham Dr. Gig Harbor, WA 98332.

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