Obituary of Kathleen E Kelly

Kathy passed away from heart disease on May 16th, 2022 surrounded by loving family. She was the daughter of the late James and Ellen Fitzsimons. Kathy is survived by her son Chuck Naquin, and by her 3 sisters: Maureen Hansen (Larry), Patti Escarraz, and Mary Jo Ansel (Mike). She was pre-deceased by her brother Jim Fitzsimons (Malissa).  She was also blessed with 13 nieces and nephews.  

Kathy was born in Michigan, and moved with her family to St. Pete Beach as a young teenager in 1962. She also lived in Chicago and New York City at different points in her life, but spent the majority of her life in St. Petersburg & St. Pete Beach.  She was a 1965 graduate of Notre Dame Catholic High School (Now St. Pete Catholic) in St. Petersburg, and earned her RN at St. Pete College. She lived her dream of being a nurse for many years.  

Her main passion was traveling/camping all over the country at National and State parks.  She always traveled with one of the many dogs she loved in her lifetime, and instilled a passion for travel in her sister Pat’s children: Jason, Sarah, and James Escarraz.  

Kathy was a fixture at the dog park at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg for many years.  She had many beloved dogs of all sizes and breeds over the years, and the dog park was her social club.   

Life was an adventure, and Kathy lived it fully on her own terms. She was kind to everyone, and never judged anybody. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.  

A life celebration will be private.  Anyone who would like to make a donation in her memory could do so to:  National Park Foundation  www.nationalparks.org  or  Safe Paws Rescue   www.safepawsrescue.com