Patricia “Pat” Welch Kelly was born in Terre Haute on October 2, 1928, to Thomas and Dorothy Welch. She attended St. Patrick school, Garfield High School and Indiana State University. After one year at ISU, Pat met and instantly fell in love with a local boy named “Tom Kelly,” who came home from Purdue during breaks from school. They were married in 1947 and spent the next 64 years together, building a large, close-knit family that they showered with love and devotion.

Pat was the consummate stay-at-home wife and mother, preparing breakfast, lunch and holiday-worthy dinners every day of the year. Tom and her nine children and numerous grandchildren were Pat’s vocation and avocation, and she poured heart and soul into caring for them all with patience, kindness, and a perpetual smile. She also treasured the friendships she enjoyed, particularly those from the various bridge groups she participated in over the course of several decades.

Crediting her own mother with modeling this trait, Pat avoided drawing attention to herself with complaints and cheerfulness was her hallmark. As the cherished matriarch of her family, Pat demonstrated over the span of 90 years how to live a life of love.

Pat passed away on July 4, 2019. Donations made in her memory will be added to the Thomas L. and Patricia W. Kelly Fund. To contribute, please click here.