Kelly Sykes

On June 17, 2001, Kelly graduated from Ridley High School in Folsom, PA, where she was recognized for outstanding academic achievement as part of The President's Education Awards Program. She then went on to acquire over two dozen certifications in child development and earned a career diploma as a teacher's aide and her certification in child psychology from Penn Foster.

In 2003, Kelly began working as an assistant teacher's aide, and by 2015 had moved up to group supervisor, and again by 2017 worked as a full time preschool teacher. Shortly after relocating to Austin, TX in 2020, she fulfilled her lifelong dream by going into business for herself as a full time private nanny. She did this for nearly 4 years and was phenomenal at what she did.

Kelly loved the ocean and the beach. She loved dolphins and swimming. She enjoyed drawing, cooking, gaming and traveling. She loved music and movies. She loved all her friends and family but most of all, loved children.

She was predeceased by her birthmother, Mary-Ann Bender, and her adopted parents, Norbert Sykes and Delores Cipollini.

Kelly is survived by her loving partner Tom Strayhorn, her brothers Chris Sykes, Joe Mosley, and Bill Young, her lifelong best friend Amanda Crispino-Kingsmill, goddaughter Josie Holzerman and honorary nephew T.J. Holzerman. She is also survived by many other family and friends.

Services for Kelly will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please leave your contact information with the funeral home by calling and we will forward your information to the family to discuss any memorial contributions.