Katherine (Link) Kelly

Katherine Link Kelly, 80, of Baltimore, MD, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016. Katherine was born on Friday, January 31, 1936, in Baltimore, MD daughter of the late Catherine Kessler Link and the late George Edward Link. She is preceded in death by her loving parents. Katherine’s love of life was family and friends. She was a supportive, gracious and loving wife, mother and grandmother, sister and friend. She will be remembered for her selfless smile and open heart. The memories she created with family gatherings, graduations and the special Christmas times will never be lost. Kathy created holiday memories with fabulous decorations through the house and an abundance of cookies, baked goods and great food enjoyed by all! She was the happiest with her house full of family. Kathy valued friendship. She was able to maintain lifelong friendships with those in the Baltimore area as well as establish wonderful friends in the Charleston area with her husband. Her latest passion was duplicate bridge. She and Leroy were able to enjoy this hobby together. Tennis was a passion of the past. She also enjoyed selling Real Estate in the Charleston area. This tragic loss of a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend will create an empty place in many hearts. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Leroy Kelly of Charleston, SC; four children: Michael L. Kelly and his wife, Lisa, of Rome, Italy; Patricia K. Holland and her husband, Carl S. Holland, Jr., of Grand Rapids MI; Timothy E. Kelly and his wife, Lisa Rissetto, of Woodside, CA; and Stephen L. Kelly and his wife, Terri, of Sacramento, CA; seven grandchildren: Jack Kelly; Annie Kelly; Carl Holland, III; Wilhelm Holland; Brooks Kelly; Mimi Kelly; and Neal Kelly; one sister, Shirley McCumbie of Baltimore, MD; two cousins: Lynn Vonderhost and Dorothy Rieley; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Kelly. The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Katherine’s life on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home West Ashley Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 9300 Medical Plaza Dr, Charleston, SC 29406. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, 843-722-8371.