Kathryn Browne Kelly

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathryn Browne Kelly, age 53, on November 3rd, 2024. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, Kathryn will always be remembered for her kindness and willingness to help others. She was a force of nature and lit up every room she was in. Her laughter, smile, and warm touch will live on in everyone’s memories.

Kathryn was born in Evanston, Illinois on December 18th,1970 to her parents, George and Candace Browne, who adored her the second they laid eyes on her. She was raised with her brother, Scott, in Tucson, Arizona, where they enjoyed their childhood together. Growing up, Kathryn loved spending time with her family and hanging out with her friends. She graduated from Amphitheater High school with a GED, and not long after met her soon-to-be husband, Steven Kelly. They were together 1 year before they got married on November 9th,1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two of them created a home full of love and laughter for their two children, Lauren and Alec, whom Kathryn loved more than anything.

Her love for children did not end with her own. Kathryn worked at various schools and institutions in Tucson, where she cared for children of all ages. She had a passion for her work and was fulfilled by her ability to help and inspire these kids from a young age all the way up to their teens. Later in her life, she would move on to being a nanny for families in the Armed Forces. She dedicated her life to caring for their children and formed a strong bond with every family she worked with. Kathryn often talked about the toddlers she cared for and how happy she was to be a part of their lives.

Throughout her life, Kathryn had a passion for travel and family time. She would often visit family members in Chicago and loved to visit the city any time she could. Kathryn and Steve would take a trip to Las Vegas every year to reminisce and create new memories in the place they were married. They also went on various cruises, which were some of Kathryn’s favorite trips. Family vacations included Kathryn and her family going to California for sunny days at the beach, and to Pinetop, Arizona to fish and enjoy some time outdoors. Nothing made Kathryn happier than taking these trips and creating lifelong memories for herself and her family.

She loved animals as well, and considered her dogs as family. Kathryn loved spending time at home to hang out with her dogs, and loved when her children would bring over their own dogs to play. She also enjoyed laying out by the pool, rock and roll music, reality TV shows, and cooking for those she loved. Her love and passion for life inspired everyone she met.

Kathryn is survived by her parents, George and Candace; her brother, Scott and his children Drew, Camryn and Colin ; her husband, Steve; her daughter, Lauren and her husband, Julian; and her son, Alec and his wife, Karlie. A memorial service will be held on December 13th at East Lawn Palms to honor her memory and celebrate the amazing, kind, thoughtful, and strong-willed person she was.