Audrey M. Kelly

March 24, 1935 – March 3, 2025

Audrey Marie Kelly passed away March 3, 2025, at her home in Melrose Park, IL at the age of 89. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. Known for her honest, straightforward nature and her love of doing all things “by the rules”, she was a warm-hearted, kind, and generous soul. Her intelligence and pragmatic nature were apparent to all while her unexpected, beautiful sense of humor was always present waiting for just the right moment to emerge. Audrey was fiercely devoted to family and friends and was willing to help anyone in need.

Born in Benton Harbor, MI, her family moved to St. Joseph, MI a short time later. The first child of Bernard and Gertrude Dorstewitz, Audrey was a bright girl who developed a love of music at a young age. She became an accomplished pianist and clarinetist who performed in recitals and was a member of her high school marching band. Her promising future as a pianist was set aside when she enrolled in the University of Michigan School of Pharmacy after graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1953 at a time when less than twenty percent of all pharmacists were women.

After graduating from pharmacy school, Audrey went to work for Gillespie’s Pharmacy in St. Joseph, MI. An avid swimmer and lifeguard in her youth, Audrey purchased a boat that she loved to take out on the river and on Lake Michigan. That year she met her future husband, Bob Kelly. After marrying, the couple welcomed their first son Michael and settled in St. Joseph. Not long after Michael’s birth they moved to Oak Park, IL where Brian, Beth, and Bruce joined the family.

In the late 1960s, Audrey was asked to help found and lead the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). She declined the offer instead focusing on family and her career as a pharmacist.

While raising her four young children, Audrey resumed her pharmacy career, working at several local family-run drug stores. During this time, she became involved in volunteer work for various organizations that benefited people with learning disabilities.

Audrey became a pharmacist for Walgreens in the 1980s where she worked for over 25 years, finishing her pharmacy career in 2008 after 50 years. After retiring she spent her remaining years at her home in Melrose Park, IL enjoying the arrival of her grandchildren Jack, Sean, and Sarah.

Audrey will be missed by all who knew her. Her stoic veneer could not hide a fun-loving and optimistic heart.

Preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Gertrude Dorstewitz, and her son Michael. Audrey is survived by her brother Bruce (Madeline) Dorstewitz, children Brian (Mary) Kelly, Beth (Bruce) Montague, and Bruce (Esperanza) Kelly, grandchildren Jack Kelly, Sean Kelly, and Sarah Kelly, nieces Deb Kelly, Linda Kelly-Williams, Lisa Kelly, and Marri Kelly, and nephews Daniel Dorstewitz and Jason Dorstewitz.

Interment will be held privately. Info 708-442-8500 or visit www.woodlawnchicago.com