Kelley Moser Maxham's Obituary
“Take care of you. Be with the ones you love. Do what is important to you.”
~ Kelley Maxham
Enslena Nephew
January 5 •
Greetings, in case anyone doesn't know who I am I am Kelley's older sister and my name is Enslena (Enzi for short). It is with deep sorrow in my heart that I am posting on her page this time. At 4:22pm EST Jan. 5, 2015 my beautiful sister Kelley Maxham was pronounced dead. She fought a good fight but she was so desperately sick when she arrived at the hospital that the damage to her body was not reversible. Kelley was admitted with acute liver failure and by the time she got help her other vital organs like kidneys and heart were also beginning to fail. She was on life support systems depending on the machines entirely to remain alive. This afternoon a while after her son Benjamin Ray Lawrence Maxham arrived at her bedside her heartbeat became very unstable with the expert care from her ICU team she was stabilized but within the hour she again became very unstable her team of caregivers once again began working on her but alas she was not responding this time. Kelley was and is my hero, she was one of the most amazing people I have been privileged to have in my life. I'm blessed to have called her both sister and friend and my life will not seem complete now without her. I knew her as an adventurer never afraid to step out for a new chance to experience life to its fullest. She was a genuinely good person who never caused intentional harm to a soul and cared deeply for her friends and family and gave the world’s best hugs. I know in my heart that she will be greatly missed by all who called her friend and my heart breaks for you all. This world was made a better place for having known Kelley. I wish to express my condolences to you her friends, for your great loss and to say thank you for being an important part of my sister’s life each in your own way. She is in a much better place now, may she rest in eternal peace. God bless you all. Enzi
These are the comments that I received in response to that post announcing her untimely death.
Becky Meister • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I'm so sorry for your loss Enzi. Kelley was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
January 5
Sarah Campbell • 2 mutual friends
Devastating news. The world is a sadder place without Kelley. I was privileged to have known her. Love and thoughts to her family during this very difficult time x
January 5 •
Jill Miller • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I'm am so sorry.
January 5
Susan McDermott
My love and thoughts to you, Ben and the rest of the family. Your words summed up the Kelley I know. She was an amazing person
January 5 •
Tara Dignam • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Enzi, I knew Kelley when she was working and studying in UCD. She was such a warm and kind person. I'm so sorry for your loss. x
January 5 •
Dónal Barry • Friends with Susan McDermott and 1 other
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful person. Thoughts and sympathies with you, Ben and all her family.
January 5 •
Pam Rigdon
Yep Kelley Maxham gave me my first servant job as her butler one evening I was instructed to please pour her a glass of fine wine. I will miss being the butler......
January 5
Dawn K Wingate • Friends with Kelley Maxham
RIP Kelley
January 6 •
Ellie Eve • Friends with Kelley Maxham
A poignant tribute to a lovely friend. So sorry to hear the sad news. Kelley was a wonderful woman and friend. RIP
January 6
Kris Rider • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I had only seen Kelley a few times since moving from Washington State but always considered her a wonderful person and friend. Very sorry for your loss.
January 6
Sherry Moore • Friends with Kelley Maxham
My thoughts and prayers to you, Enzi and your family. Kelley will be missed by all. She had a heart of gold and a soul full of light. My heart breaks for you all. G-d bless and know Kelley won't be forgotten.
January 6 •
Kris Rider • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I am sure she is looking down and worried about her beloved Bella
January 6
Mary F O'Brien • Friends with Kelley Maxham
My condolences to all Kelley's family
RIP Kelley. X
January 6
Bill Mulligan • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Kelley was a very special person who always cared about other people. I and many others will always remember her.
January 6 •
Gillian Finan • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Kelley from UCD and she was always so funny and kind. She will be missed. What a shock.
January 6
Ann-Marie Long • 2 mutual friends
So very sorry for your loss, Enzi. I also knew Kelley from UCD. My thoughts are with you, Ben and her family at this difficult time.
January 6
Peggy Fallon • Friends with Kelley Maxham
My deepest condolences to all of Kelley's family and friends--what a crushing loss. Kelley was the first person who was kind, warm and smiling to me when I first visited Murray many years ago. From every encounter with her, including her adventures on Facebook, I recall her warm and funny presence: a role model for us all. Requiescat in pacem.
January 6
Bill Schell • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Please accept my condolences to you and all Kelley's loved ones. Here is part of a letter I wrote for her many years ago. I meant every word: "Maxham comes to history rather late in life and out of love. She is a bright and able woman with remarkable people skills; focused, determined, intellectually fearless, frank in her opinions, charming, and a natural leader. Scholars and editors at the Royal Irish Academy, where she worked on both the Documents on Irish Foreign Policy and the Dictionary of Irish Biographies, found her ... invaluable. Proof of this is their special mention of her in their forewords and their open invitation for her to return." It is a great loss.
January 6 •
Edward James • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I was devastated to read this; my condolences to all her family.
January 6 •
Gerry Power • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Such a sad and untimely loss. Condolences to you and all of her family at this time.
January 6 •
Frank Bouchier-Hayes • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Just reading the news now. What a terrible tragedy at such a young age. Condolences to you and all of her family at this very difficult time. I will forever treasure the happy memories of meeting her in Dublin during her time at UCD.
January 6
Shannon Mcfarlin • Friends with Kelley Maxham
This is just devastating news. She was a wonderful person.
January 6 •
Penny Dewar • Friends with Kelley Maxham
My condolences to all of you xxxxx Kelley was a spark of light here in Dublin.
January 6 •
Niamh Nestor • 3 mutual friends
I'm so incredibly sorry to hear about Kelley's passing. She was a force of life during her time in Dublin. I'll really miss her presence on this earth. My deepest sympathies to you all.
January 6
Ashling Smith • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Such a shock, I also knew Kelley from her time at UCD. She filled a room with her presence, her laugh and smiles. Such a loss. My sincere condolences....
January 6
Melinda Grimsley-Smith • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Enzi, I am so sorry for your loss. I had a great time with her in classes at Murray State and when I went off to Notre Dame, I counted her among those friends I missed but probably wouldn't have the opportunity to see again. Wouldn't you know it, I bumped into her in the reading room of the National Archives in Dublin in 2006. She put me up for a month in 2007 and again for a couple weeks in 2008 while I finished my PhD research there, and didn't think a thing of it. I'm not sure how I would've finished my dissertation without her generosity. Please give everyone's best to Ben and the rest of your family.
January 6
Shannon Bequette • 3 mutual friends
I am so sorry to hear this. Kelly was a dear person one of the sweetest I have ever known! She was just so kind and caring. She will be dearly missed!
January 6
Julie Wix
So sorry for your loss
January 6 •
Beverley Barbour • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Good evening Enzi and all your family. Thank you for your posts to keep us, Kelley's friends, updated. Still trying to make sense of the sudden loss of the most outrageous and larger than life personality that was resolutely, Kelley Maxham. She was a force of nature. I met her in Dublin and briefly shared faith, fun and food. And the occasional glass of sparkle to celebrate just about anything fabulous that happened.
January 6 •
Beverley Barbour • Friends with Kelley Maxham
May the Good Lord, who chose to take you now, keep you safe and finally at peace. With love BB
Carla Beach Halkias • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I am so very sorry to hear of this. Sending hugs and prayers your way.
January 6 •
Marcus Pyka • Friends with Susan McDermott and 1 other
What horrible news! I am so sorry to hear this, and my condolences go to all her family and friends. She was my tutor in Dublin, and became a very dear friend as well... a very warm person, and quite a colorful character. With lots of love!
January 6 •
Valerie Roberts • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Kelley at the Seaboard plant in Mayfield, KY many years ago. I loved her, she was so spunky and full of life and always wore a big smile. I will miss her. Praying for you and all her family.
January 6
Fintan Hoey • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Very sad news indeed. Kelley was so warm and vivacious and it's hard to believe she's gone. Deepest condolences to her family and friends.
January 7
Alessandro Guardamagna • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I am sorry for Kelley's passing. She was a really good person and a friend to me. I wish to express my sincere condolences to you and your family.
January 7
Ruairi de Valera • Friends with Kelley Maxham
We shall always remember her
January 7 •
Jenny Knell • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Just reiterating what everyone else has said here, but what a huge loss. I was fortunate enough to spend time with Kelley as two yanks abroad in Ireland. I'll never forget some of the laughs we shared over the giant polpo in Spain. KMax, if you're reading Facebook in the sky, I'll miss you loads. Thanks for being my friend, it was truly a privilege to know you.
January 8
Kim Dossett • Friends with Kelley Maxham
My deepest sympathy to Kelley Maxham’s family! I haven't seen her in years but she was a dear friend to me & many others at Seaboard Farms! She always had a smile on her face & was so full of life! She was such an inspiring brave woman! I will miss reading about all of your adventures! You lived life to its fullest & I know you are having a grand time in Heaven! Thoughts, love & prayers to her Family!
January 8 •
Glenda Landers
Enslena I am so sorry for your loss, I just can.t believe it, she just got moved into her new palace well that’s what I've heard it called ,well again Enzi if you need anything drop me a line ok girl no matter the distance or whatever just drop me a line.
January 10 •
While the comments above were being made there was a completely different type of post being made directly to Kelley’s FB page. They were talking to her and telling her how she touched their lives each in their own way.
Dónal Barry
January 5 •
Only a few days ago we were making plans for me to visit you in Boston, and now you're gone. I just can't comprehend the loss of someone so full of life so suddenly. You're brilliant hugs, outrageous personality and warm heart never ceased to make me laugh and smile. No one else in this world had the ability to make me blush quite the way you did.
I'll miss our walks, talks, pints in Birchalls and our wilder than wild nights out. Oh, and the pecan pies and American cookies you used to feed me up with it!!!
Kelley Maxham simply the most wonderful, amazing and soul lifting friend I could ever have wished to meet. I will miss you so much.
All my thoughts and sympathies with Ben, Enzi and all your family!!!
Pam Rigdon
January 5
I guess god had a different plan for my friend Kelley Maxham (Moser). The angels came for her today in Boston. Don't worry Kelley your butler Goerge will take care of your sister for you. You are loved by so MANY people here and in Ireland.
It was my pleasure to of served as your butler. LOL tell everybody I said hello.
Love Goerge
Sameer Arshad
January 6 •
We have all been very blessed to have Kelley in our lives. All who have known her will cherish her memory and through that she will live on inside of all of us. A legacy of kindness and love from a beautiful life.
Anette Marie
January 6 • Oslo, Norway •
One of the most heartwarming and kind person I have ever met. You took me under your wings when I lived in Dublin and made me always feel so welcome. Because of you I look back at that year and can say I really had a wonderful and you have a really special place in my heart!
Bless your soul!
Alanna O'Malley
January 6 • The Hague, Netherlands •
This is devastating news. Kelly, you were one of the warmest, most caring people I ever met and a true friend. I will miss your humor, your infectious laugh and your huge heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Sleep with the angels.
Kat Resler
January 6 •
Kelley was one of the warmest and kindest people I have ever met. When I moved to Murray she was one of the first to welcome me, she helped me feel at home in a strange new place. Some of my fondest memories from that period of my life include Kelley Maxham. From long chats in our grad offices, lunches out at Mr. Ed's and August Moon, eating lots of Jack Links jerky, participating in office shenanigans and history happy hour. Kelley opened her home to me on several occasions, giving me support and friendship when I needed it the most. Sad to know I will never see her again. My thoughts and prayers are with Kelley and her family.
Wolfgang Marx
January 6 • Dublin, Ireland • Edited •
I knew Kelley for a much shorter time than most people on this site (since her move to Ireland), but she was a wonderful friend and holds a very special place in my heart. As so many others have already said, she was incredibly full of life and had a special ability to make the best of it wherever she was - and share it generously with others. She had so much to give to everybody who knew her. I know that everybody here in Dublin was very sad when she left these shores to go home; nobody who met her will ever forget her. At least she had the chance to meet and spent some time with her lovely grandchild. Rest in Peace Kelley!
Anne Burchell Corley
January 6 •
Kelley Maxham it was an honor knowing you; Godspeed
Denise Griffey
January 6 •
So tragic to hear that the wonderfully irrepressible and warm hearted Kelley Maxham has passed away far before her time, it was such a pleasure to have worked and played with her! My thoughts go out to her family and friends at this time xx
Orlagh Brennan
January 6 •
God bless u Kelley u were a one off. Sweet dreams xx
Alex Macomber
January 6 •
I am so sorry to hear about Kelley's passing. I first met her while working on a project in Seattle 2 years ago. She was the kindest, most caring person I have ever met. She impressed us so much we hired her at Kiva Systems. Everyone loved Kelley at Kiva, there is no doubt her bubbly personality will be missed in the office. Sending love to her friends and family!
Tamara Franklin Hodges
January 6 •
I am so sorry to hear about Kelley's passing. I met Kelley while working at Mid-Continent University. She was a great friend and fun to be around. She always had your back. Kelley's family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless all of you!
Shannon Bequette
January 6 • Hazelwood, MO •
Kelley I just heard some very sad news that no one ever wants to hear! I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing! You were a very sweet woman who always treated me like family! I have no doubt that you and my Dad are sitting back shooting the breeze right now! I remember the first time I met you in Washington. You guys were looking for an apartment and you were going to move into the opposite side of one you looked at. When you saw it you just sat and cried. It was nothing like the other side. I remember Dad hugging you telling you it would all be ok and work out and it did! Oh and at Shannon’s wedding when you danced with my brother-in-law....oh my, that was great! Oh Kelly you will be missed! Love you dearly!
John Paul Newman
January 6 • Drumcondra, Ireland •
I am shocked and very saddened to hear of Kelley’s passing. She was a remarkable person and a loyal friend. She was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Ireland in 2008. I did not know a single soul in the country, so, by way of remedying this on my behalf, Kelley welcomed me warmly into her broad circle of friends, all of who clearly adored her and her company. It was a great pleasure for me to re-connect with her in Boston in 2012. We spend a lovely afternoon together and she was as easy going, funny and vivacious as ever. I know this will be a great loss for Kelley’s many friends and a profound one for her family. My thoughts and best wishes are with you all at this difficult time.
Sarah Campbell
January 6 •
Here's to you K-Max. The privilege was all mine to have known you, you crazy cat! You'll be remembered fondly, and always with a smile x
Jason Ernest
January 6 •
I will miss you, Kelley. God bless you, and my condolences to your family.
John O'Dowd
January 6 •
As someone who also knew Kelley from her time in University College Dublin, I would like to send my sincere condolences to Ben, Enzi and the rest of Kelley's family and friends on their shock and sorrow on losing her at such a comparatively young age. She was a great friend and companion to many people here in Dublin and particularly in the UCD Staff Common Room, where she spent many happy evenings with a wide range of people. Just as Wolfgang Marx commented earlier, she was much missed when she moved back to the States and we were looking forward to many more visits from her in future. As we say in Irish, “ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis” - may her faithful soul be at God's right hand!
Carla Beach Halkias
January 6 • Murray, KY •
So very sorry to hear of Kelley's passing. She had such a wonderfully sweet soul. Prayers for the family.
Amy Adams
January 6 •
I'm going to miss you more than words can express, especially as I am not as eloquent as many of the other folks who have already commented. I have always loved your ability to live life to the fullest and not let anything hold you back. Heaven truly gained an angel. People will not always remember what you said, but I will always cherish how you made me feel- loved unconditionally.
Linda Denton Smith
January 6 • Boaz, KY •
So sorry to hear this. Prayers of comfort and strength to all
Amy Wyatt
January 6 •
Rest well Kelley. My thoughts are with your friends and family.
Ruairi de Valera
January 6 •
I am still in shock. I suppose we'll not get to have that chat.
Bobby Etheridge
January 6 • Tallulah, LA •
I will always see that beautiful smile and hear that laugh. Always a blessing to be around. Praying for you all Ben and family!
Ruairi de Valera
January 7 •
I was looking at the chat that I had with Kelley on New Year's Eve. This is one of the last things she said
Take care of you. Be with the ones you love. Do what is important to you.
I'm sure she meant it for all her many friends around the world.
Prospective
Priorities
We have all lost a friend and the world lost a great gal
Mary P Bushe
January 7 •
Rest in peace Kelly. I remember all the beautiful food you brought in to our office for thanksgiving. Totally awesome. You were kind and wise and so much fun. I will miss you. xxx
Ruairi de Valera
January 9 •
If it may be of any consolation be assured we all have one more angle on our side
Pam Rigdon
For those of us that are grieving the loss of Kelley Maxham at this time lets take a few silent moments to reflect on someone who meant more to her then life itself....
Her one and only Grandchild....
Gracie Maxham who was just born in 4-2014
Miss Gracie you don't know yet but you will feel her presence very soon ....she will be with you always and just like all grandmas if you skin your knee she will be there to silently kiss your boo boo. She loved you so dearly.
Kelley spent some years living in Dublin, Ireland writing her dissertation in order to obtain her doctorate degree. To say she was well loved there by all that knew her is an understatement.
Frank Bouchier-Hayes
January 13 •
The Methodist church that Kelley attended have offered to hold a memorial service for Kelley's friends in Dublin who may wish to say goodbye. The service will be on Sunday, January 25th at 7pm in Centenary Church on Leeson Park. It will be a short service with tea and coffee served in the church afterwards. Following this, we will gather in O'Briens pub on upper Leeson St. from 8pm to have a drink and a toast to Kelley.
Ruairi de Valera
January 25 •
Some of Kelley’s many Irish friends gather
Ruairi de Valera
January 25 •
A truly uplifting service. There was even a note from a friend in Italy who was unable to attend. Truly loved by all who knew her
Wolfgang Marx
January 25 •
The altar during Kelley's Memorial Service in Dublin tonight.
Wolfgang Marx
January 25 •
Things Kelley did and liked in Dublin on display after the service: Leinster Rugby, her research, her friends and her thanksgiving dinners (not to forget Bella, of course). Thanks so much to Susan McDermott, Donal Barry, Louise Bolster and Lindsey Hall for organizing all this, for your thoughtful contributions to the service, and for spreading the word!
Dónal Barry
That's lovely Wolfgang. Thank you so much. It was wonderful to meet and see all the people her wonderful and inimitable presence and spirit had such a positive impact on.
Sarah Campbell
So sorry I couldn't make it yesterday, but it looks like she was given a great send off. X
Ruairi de Valera
January 27 •
I sincerely hope that the love and sense of lost that is felt so far from her home gives some indication of the effect Kelley had upon all she met and is of some consolation to those who knew and loved her most. Incidentally one friend who could not be present sent a letter from Italy which was read out at the service.
Because what is written in stone may not be changed without great cost I chose to share the decision of what would be written on Kelley’s grave stone with other people who knew and loved her also. Everyone that wanted to participate was welcome to help me chose how anyone reading her marker would think of her as a person, the way she will be remembered for all of eternity.
Enslena Nephew
January 22, 2015
……. “My friend and I will be leaving the Boston area on Friday afternoon taking both Bella and Kelley's remains back home where they both now belong. I wish to express once again how much all of your prayers and kind words have meant to Kelley's family, thank you. I do have one more thing that I would ask from all of you who knew and loved her, I have two choices for sentiments to be written on her marker and I very much believe that I need your input as to which one I use.
- On to Yet Another Grand Adventure
- Our Special Angel up in heaven
Please share with me here by commenting on this post, which one you think fits who Kelley really was.”
Wolfgang Marx • Friends with Kelley Maxham
#2 describes things from our point of view while #1 is rather what Kelley would say herself, so I too go for #1.
Amanda Ruth White Holt • 3 mutual friends
1 sounds much more like Kelley.
Amanda Ruth White Holt • 3 mutual friends
1 sounds much more like Kelley.
Shannon Mcfarlin • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I like On Yet Another Grand Adventure. It's very appropriate.
Frank Bouchier-Hayes • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Number one sounds like the perfect choice. Thank you for keeping us all updated.
Carla Beach Halkias • Friends with Kelley Maxham
#1. While Kelley is an angel, she's def on another grand adventure.
Bill Mulligan • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Thanks for the update. The first seems most appropriate.
Cheryl Quilliam • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Thank you so much for the update. I'm with everyone else on this. No. 1 seems to fit Kelley the best and is such a positive way of looking at her passing. I think she would have like it too.
Sherry Moore • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Hugs to you Enslena. Love #1. It fits Kelley!
Melinda Grimsley-Smith • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I vote #1. I would smile a big smile to see that on her headstone.
Bill Schell • Friends with Kelley Maxham
I think the first, as well; she was an adventurer.
Kim Dossett • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Absolutely # 1 describes Kelley!
Anne Burchell Corley • Friends with Kelley Maxham
#1 definitely sounds more like the Kelley I knew.
Mary F O'Brien • Friends with Kelley Maxham
Think #1says it all when I think of Kelley
Anette Marie • 2 mutual friends
#1 is just perfect!
Penny Dewar • Friends with Kelley Maxham
A big smile, a warm and open personality and an embrace, she was a courageous girl who lit up the room with her presence. I have no doubt that Kelley is in heaven, I just find it difficult to understand why she is not on earth. She was most definitely a brave adventurer. No.1 I think. RIP Kelley and to her family I send my deepest condolences xx
Niamh Nestor • Friends with Kelley Maxham and 2 others
Totally no 1. That's Kelley to a tee!
There were many more similar comments along with these that I’ve shared. Only one vote for the second choice and it was duly noted.
I asked one final thing of all those that could be reached by phone or FB.
Enslena Nephew
January 30 • Tacoma, WA •
Greetings! Once again I want to express my joy in knowing that Kelley was so loved by so many while she was so far from home. Many thanks go out to Susan McDermott, Donal Barry, Louise Bolster and Lindsey Hall for making the celebration of Kelley's life come together giving those who wished to gather with others experiencing the same sense of loss with her sudden passing. I'm back home in Washington state will be meeting with the funeral home next week to make arrangements for her remains to be lay to rest and choose a marker for her site. Thank you all for helping me decide how she will be remembered, the sentiment "On to yet another grand adventure" seems to have been the choice of almost everyone much to my relief because it is my favorite also. When I finalize the arrangements for here in the states I will post the information so that anyone wishing to join us or sent a letter as her friend from Spain did, will have plenty of time to do so. One last thing, I'm kind of putting together an album of some of my favorite photos of my sister and am wondering if any of you might have some of your favorite's you would like to share also. If so please send them to me via email, [email protected] and put Favorite Kelley pics in the subject line. Please include a brief description of the photos and names of people in them so I might get a small glance into those memories with you. Thanks to all for loving her as much as I do. Enzi
This is but one of the responses to my request…..
Kelley's Favorite Things
A number of Kelley’s favorite things, from her time in Ireland, were reflected upon at a recent memorial service here in Dublin. Among these things was her love for Irish History, Irish Rugby and of course Barry Manilow.
However, it was always Kelley’s love for people that always struck me as her favorite thing more than any other. Her love for her family and friends, in the States, was very obvious from the many conversations we had together. She adored her son Ben, and held a very special place in her heart for her older sister, Enzi.
Kelley had a smile, a laugh and a twinkle in her eye that left those who met her spellbound. She had the amazing capacity to make whoever she was engaging with feel like the most important person in the world. The impact she had on others was evident to all who gathered to remember her at the Methodist Church, in Leeson Park, Dublin.
In Ireland, Kelley made a large and diverse number of friends. I count myself very fortunate to have been one of them. Her close friendship with a group of young twenty-something year old students was often a source of bemusement and curiosity to those in her own age group.
But, Kelley cared little for others superficial judgments about her. This uninhibited and care free nature was one of the things that those who knew her loved most. However, this is not to say that Kelley cared little for those around her. She cared so, so much for other people and so, so much for her family and friends.
Kelley wanted nothing more than for those she loved to learn to love themselves, and to recognize their own wonderful beauty. This remarkable characteristic is something I will never forget. Her contribution in helping me, and my beloved friend Susan McDermott, become stronger, better and more confident young adults is something I will be forever thankful for.
I am not a spiritual person, but Kelley once gave me pause to question in my convicted lack of beliefs. If anyone could make me truly believe in the power of the human spirit it was the unique and inimitable Kelley Maxham.
When I think of her, I can’t help but smile. All she would have wanted for those she has left behind is for them to smile a little brighter, laugh a little louder and love a whole lot more…
Lots of love,
Her colleague, friend and partner-in-crime
Dónal Barry
And finally my letter about Kelley…..
….. “I’ve always known that Kelley was a special person simply by how profoundly she affected my life, she was kind of my super hero, but until her death I never dreamed how many other people who were touched in much the same way as I.
While making the arrangements for Kelley’s remains to be placed here in their final resting place I read something that has helped me immensely to remember her, the person she was, instead of the ugliness that was her death. It helped me to grieve so that I can begin the healing process. I’m going to share some of it with you, maybe it will help anyone else also having a hard time.”
Memories of a Lifetime
“Remembering the glory moments we all have”
Live
~ Five words that describe her.
Spiritual, Adventurous, Loving, Intelligent, Unique.
~ Traits I admire most.
• Her faith in God and fellow humans.
• Her strength and conviction that came with that faith.
• The way she embraced life and lived each day to the fullest, always willing to try something or go somewhere new showing no fear of change and the unknown.
Love
~ Relationships that were important to her.
• She felt strongly about her relationships with God, her family especially her son, and her friends.
~ Beside family, who else has been affected by her passing?
• I think all who knew and spent time with her have been affected in some way.
Laugh
~ How did she enjoy spending her free time?
• Kelley loved to travel whenever possible.
• Or hanging out with family and or friends.
• And spending the day on the couch or wherever reading a good book.
~ What types of things brought her pleasure.
• A heart felt hug from someone.
• Learning something knew and sharing things she’d learned with others.
• Kisses from her little Bella and snuggling next to her.
Learn
~ What things interested her?
• A wide assorted number of things caught her interest, mostly people, places and things.
~ Accomplishments that she was proudest of?
• I don’t think she was a prideful person. I think mostly her knowing she gave anything she did 100% and was a job well done.
• There may have been a small bit of pride in the fact that she survived raising her son and was none the worse for the wear.
Legacy
~ How would she want to be remembered?
• I Know Kelley would not want to be remembered with tears in our eyes and sorrow in our hearts.
• I believe she would want us to remember her laugh and her smile, her love and joy, her strength and her courage.
• She would want us to remember the individual person she was in her life as she took on this particular adventure.
~ What stories would she want passed on to future generations?
• I’m not sure what she would want to share and I’m not the keeper of them all.
• I however plan to share everything I know and remember with her beautiful granddaughter Grace Coleen because I want her to know the whole person her Granny was.
~ What five objects could be collected that capture what she was about?
• I don’t believe Kelley can be summed up by a collection of objects.
• The belongings she left behind were all chosen with taste and class, classics that would do well through time.
• I believe she was about people and her interaction and relationships with them.
• Kelley was about love and joy and being the best person she could be because that is what God intended us all to be about.
• In a way we are all Kelley’s legacy. I believe we are all different if not better people for having her in our lives.
My beautiful, loving, adventurous sister Kelley Maxham, is one of the best examples of how people should treat each other in this great big world of ours. Her presence here has made a mark on many, many people and her untimely death has left a deep sense of loss for them all.
Kelley Maxham is survived by her son Benjamin R. L. Maxham, and granddaughter Grace Coleen Maxham, her ex-husband and still friend Reginald F. Maxham. Also her sister Enslena Nephew, Brothers Trenton E. Bielman and Troy R. Moser, along with extended family including nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
“ON TO YET ANOTHER GRAND ADVENTURE”
'Go n-éirí an bóthar leat' meaning “May the road rise to meet you”
What’s your fondest memory of Kelley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kelley?
Share a story where Kelley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kelley you’ll never forget.
How did Kelley make you smile?
