Beatriz Florence “Bea” Kelly, née Sanchez, beloved wife, and mother, passed away peacefully, at the age of 85, on August 23, 2022, at McReynolds Hall in Gaylord, Michigan.
She was born on May 21, 1937, to Eloy and Juanita Sanchez, in Ledoux, New Mexico.
Bea was known throughout the community of Gaylord for her charitable works including her humanitarian efforts in Central America where she made regular trips to Nicaragua to aid the Water for People Project. Bea was also instrumental in securing the intensive care unit at Otsego Memorial Hospital, where she served as head nurse of the ICU for many years. Bea later took on other positions at Otsego Memorial Hospital including serving on the Board of Directors for the Otsego County Ambulance Corps and as part of the emergency room healthcare staff. Bea worked tirelessly for over 40 years at the hospital.
As a devoted Catholic, Bea spent much of her time assisting at the Diocese of Gaylord. Bea volunteered her time at St. Mary Cathedral greeting parishioners before mass and serving as a Eucharistic Minister.
Beatriz is survived by her husband, William Howard “Bill” Kelly II; beloved children, Suzen Marie Gaefe, William Troy Kelly, Catherine Ann Kelly, and Barbara Jean Pyrett; six grandchildren whom she cherished very much; and many fond nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at St. Mary Cathedral, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and a rosary being recited at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Otsego Memorial Hospital online at https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/munson-healthcare-foundations/areas-you-can-support/otsego-memorial-hospital/otsego-memorial-hospital.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box, 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
30 comments on “Beatriz F. Kelly”
Very sorry to hear of Bea’s passing. She was a beautiful lady in many ways. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Bill and the children. God Bless, Ted & Nancy Krol
Bea was the best lady ever. Not only a superb nurse but a kind and generous person. She truly made the world better.
Bea was my inspiration to be a nurse
I saw her as a strong, smart leader- that’s what I wanted to be. And I was able to fulfill that dream.. May the nightingale lamp burn bright. V. Beltz (Koronka). RN, BSN, CEN, CCRN. (Ret)
Working with Bea was a joy at OMH. She was an excellent nurse and teacher. We also went on a motorcycle trip out west with Bea and Bill and had a great time. We spent much time with the Kelly family in our early years. My heart goes to Bill, Susan, William, Kathy, and Barb. I am sorry for your loss.
Bill and Family,
This is a great sorrow for me. Bea and I have been friends for 50 Years. Being her hairdresser and shopping partner. We have had our good and bad “HAIR” Days. I will truly miss our counseling sessions, you were such and light on gloomy days. I will miss you so much, my best friend!! Much love…..
I’ve always had a fondness for Bea. In 1976 she delivered my second child because the doctor didn’t make it. She was such a sweetheart. She will be missed.
So sadden by the passing of our lovely neighbor Bea. She was so kind & helpful always to myself & our family. I loved her positive outlook & her sharing of herself with St Mary Church & community. She was a great example to us all. And was so grateful for her help with my mom in her journey home too. I admired her as a fellow nurse also. May good memories comfort Bill & her children. My prayers are with you all.Heaven gained another angel. Rest in peace Bea.
Love, Mary (Vinicki) Rude
This was a loss of a very special lady. May she rest in peace
I was so sorry to hear about Bea’s passing. She was an special lady, an amazing nurse, a woman full of such warmth, compassion and love. She truly lived her faith and our world was a better place with her in it. She has earned her rest and will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to her family.
We are so sorry to hear of Bea’s passing. She was one of the kindest ladies we have ever met. Working with Bea at OMH was a positive and wonderful experience. Our deepest condolences,
Frank & Darlene Stroyan
Bill and Family, I am very sorry to hear of Bea’s passing. She was and is a great lady and I always enjoyed getting together in the winter down Florida. Bea will always be remembered in my thoughts and prayers. Barney
As the notes are streaming in, you can tell what an impact this woman had on the lives in this community. I first met her in an ER setting that no mother wants to be in, and she took me aside and explained everything to me in the most gentle way.
Years later I would work side by side (but could not match her stride for stride!) with this wonderful woman as she was a tireless volunteer for Relay For Life.
The story of her life could certainly be an inspirational book and she inspired me every time she greeted me with a hug and a smile. She will be missed, but she is welcomed as the angel she truly has been for her entire life on earth. Thank you for sharing your Bea with the Gaylord community!
Bea was an awesome person. Loved working with her when I was at OCEMS.💜
Love , hugs and prayers to the family. Bea has a special place in my heart.
Bill and Family, I am very sorry to hear of Bea’s passing. It was always a joy to see the two of you walk into Eagles, we had many good conversations. Bea will be missed by many. R.I.P. Bea
Words can not express what a wonderful woman, wife, mother, and nurse Bea Kelly was. She will be remembered fondly by us all. My first job was babysitting for the Kelly kids and quickly became a member of the family. May God give you all the comfort and strength you need at this time.
Loretta(Rett) Koronka Swantek
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful woman and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Catherine Kelly and family Bea was a wonderful person and an asset to the Gaylord community. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We were so saddened to hear of Bea’s passing. I worked with Bea in the ER for many years and counted it as my honor and privilege. We worked hard but we also were able to laugh in spite of everything going on in the ER. She was one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever met. Rest in Peace Miss Bea you will be missed.
DEAR BILL AND FAMILY, GOD HAS CALLED A BEAUTIFUL LADY TO HER ETERNAL
R DEARREWARD. I HAVE KNOWN YOUR DEAR BEA FOR MANY YEARS DOING A SPECIAL JOB AT THE HOSPITAL AND CHURCH. MY PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY FOR YOU.
Bea was a true lady. She will be greatly missed. 41 years ago she helped deliver my eldest. She also was there when the priest came to give him the blessing, his health wasn’t well and she was listed as his godmother. I thank that beautiful woman for helping my son at such a diffucult time. As a young new momma she helped calm my fears and inform me of what was going on. I am forever grateful. Thank you Ms.Bea for everthing you have done for the community. You were a fine lady. Heaven recieved an honorable angel what a gift. I am sure she is looking down still taking care of us all. God speed.
Bill and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bea’s passing. She was such a strong, faithful, fun and amazing person and nurse. Most of us in this community have been blessed with Bea as our friend and as our nurse when we needed one. As a nurse myself, I always admired the way that Bea communicated with her patients and their families. It was straight and to the point when needed but soft and gentle when that approach was needed instead and she mixed in a little humor when we needed it most. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
Your funeral was beautiful today. Paul and I will miss seeing you at Mass. You were an inspiration to many. Bless you.
Teresa and Paul Koronka
Bea,
Your funeral Mass was beautiful as is your family.
Bea, A beautiful lady, inside and out. You will be impossible to forget. Angels have led a wonderful woman into Paradise.
Rest in Peace Bea
Bea had a beautiful funeral today.
I am so sorry to hear of Beas passing. She was such a kind ,generous loving person .I treasure the memories I have of her as a dear neighbor. She was a great role model as a nurse as well and you know she loved her career . Rest in peace Bea, Your journey with God continues . My greatest sympathy to Bill and family as well. Take comfort in knowing how much she was loved.
It was a blessing to know Bea….as a talented, compassionate, dedicated nurse and human being. She lived a life of service and kindness and that legacy lives on.
I was saddened to hear of Bea’s passing. I always enjoyed working with her at OMH and later when I worked EMS. She taught me so much. RIp Bea.