Kelly, of Farmington, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, co-worker and friend, passed into eternal life at her home early Saturday morning, May 16, 2026. She was 57 years old.

Kelly was born on October 15, 1968, at Garden City Hospital. She grew up in the Redford area, where she attended Thurston High School. From a young age, Kelly carried within her a bright spirit, a strong work ethic, and an energy that seemed almost endless. She was outgoing, bubbly, warm, and full of life — the kind of person people naturally wanted to be around.

Kelly met her beloved husband, Rick, in the late 1990s at Shots, a neighborhood gathering place where friends, co-workers, and bus drivers often spent time together. Rick had his eye on Kelly for quite some time, and when the opportunity finally came, the two attended a luau together. From that weekend forward, their life together began. They went on to share 25 years of marriage, building a home and life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

For nearly 30 years, Kelly worked as a school bus driver for Farmington Public Schools. It was more than a job to her — it was a calling. She loved children, loved being around them, and loved making a difference in their lives. She was dependable to the core and was known for rarely, if ever, missing work. Even in the years leading up to her medical retirement, Kelly worked long hours, often 12 to 14 hours a day, doing what needed to be done with determination and pride.

Kelly also became a trusted and respected voice among her co-workers. She served in various union roles, on committees, as vice president, and eventually as union president of the bus yard. Even before holding those titles, she was the person others went to when they had questions or problems. Kelly knew the contract, understood what was fair, and was willing to stand up for her fellow employees. She was a resource, an advocate, and a friend to many. She believed in helping people, defending people, and making sure others were treated right.

During the summers, when many would have taken time off, Kelly kept working. For approximately 25 years, she worked at the Willoway Day Camp in Milford, where she helped in the kitchen, drove the boat, and enjoyed being part of a place filled with children, activity, and life. Kelly was never one to sit still. She was a worker, a doer, and someone whose hands were almost always busy.

Outside of work, Kelly had a creative heart. She loved crafting, making jewelry, and later became especially fond of diamond art. Even while watching television, she would often be working on a project, keeping her fingers moving and creating something beautiful. She loved jewelry, loved clothes, loved makeup, and had a wonderful sense of style. Kelly was classy, fashionable, and always perfectly put together. Every outfit, every pair of boots, every piece of jewelry seemed carefully chosen and beautifully matched. She loved looking nice and took pride in her appearance right to the end.

Kelly also loved music and concerts. Her home was filled with CDs, and she treasured opportunities to enjoy live performances. One of her final outings was to see Riverdance at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on April 11, 2026. Though she was already very sick, she wanted to go, and Rick made sure she did. With good seats, careful planning, and the help of loved ones, Kelly was able to experience a beautiful evening she truly enjoyed — a memory Rick and those who accompanied her will always treasure.

Kelly had an adventurous and impulsive side that made life with her fun. If she decided something sounded enjoyable, she wanted to do it. At one point, she decided they should go kayaking, and before long, she and Rick were out on the water together, creating yet another story that would be remembered with a smile. She also enjoyed trips to the casino, especially playing slots, and liked going on casino getaways to places such as Detroit, Las Vegas and Louisiana.

Animals, especially dogs, held a special place in Kelly's heart. Throughout their married life, she and Rick had dogs because Kelly loved them so deeply. She had a way of bringing them into the family, sometimes whether Rick was prepared for it or not. Their dogs, including Chase, Luxor, and Nugget, were part of the love and life Kelly built around her.

In October of 2024, Kelly was diagnosed with lung cancer after having been sick for some time. She had delayed seeking medical attention because her son was getting married in Las Vegas, and she was determined not to miss that wedding. That was Kelly: devoted, stubborn in the best way, and fiercely committed to the people she loved. Once diagnosed, she faced her illness with extraordinary courage. She endured hospital stays, intensive care, tremendous weakness, and many difficult days, yet she continued to fight. She wanted to live — for Rick, for her boys, for her family, for her friends, and for the life she loved.

Even as her illness progressed, Kelly remained optimistic and protective of those around her. She often acted as though she was going to get through it, not because she did not understand the seriousness of her illness, but because she did not want those she loved to carry more worry than they already had. She fought with everything she had, and those who loved her will never forget her strength.

Kelly will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her generosity, her style, her work ethic, and her devotion to others. She was a giver — whether helping families at Christmas, supporting co-workers, caring for children, loving her dogs, or encouraging those around her. She welcomed people into her life, made friends easily, and had a gift for bringing energy and warmth wherever she went.

Above all, Kelly was deeply loved. She was Rick's wife, companion, and best friend of 25 years.  She was a devoted mother to Alex (Greg Garza) Singer and Alan Singer; beloved daughter to Peggy; loving sister to Darrell (Bridget) DeOrnellas and John (Jenny) DeOrnellas; as well as a treasured co-worker and friend. Her life was filled with purpose, music, laughter, and love, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew her.

Family and friends may gather for visiting hours at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Wednesday and Thursday, May 27th and 28th, from 2-8 pm.

Private burial will follow at Farmington's historic Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are kindly suggested to CARES of Farmington Hills .