Kelly Ann Gilmore
Kelly Ann Gilmore, of Elkton Maryland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with her loving family by her side.
She was born November 25, 1974 in Dover Ohio, to the late Rebecca J Marvin and Clyde Gilmore.
She graduated from New Philadelphia High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Ohio Northern University, Majoring in Environmental Studies and Minoring in German and Field Biology.
Up until Kelly’s illness, she was a dedicated employee, as an Agricultural Specialist, with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a division of the Department of Homeland Security. She was also a Peer Support counselor, Union Steward and an Advisor with the CBP Explorer Program. She was written up for many awards and recognitions, too numerous to list.
Kelly lived an unselfish, humble, and rewarding life. She dedicated many of her hours to volunteering and helping those in need. She was an office helper and parking lot attendant for The Journey; a 1st Lieutenant and Deputy Commander for the Civil Air Patrol Senior Member of the Ohio Squadron and the North Chesapeake; a blood donor and volunteer for the American Red Cross, Central Ohio and Penn-Jersey Regions.
Kelly was a member of the Knit, Krochet and Konnect; J-Group, University of Delaware Botanic program, the Wilmington Trail Club, The Kappa Phi Club; Alpha Omega Chapter, member of the choir at ONU and the Boy Scouts of America Post 704 Venturing; Canton Ohio.
When Kelly wasn’t helping others or volunteering her time, she enjoyed many interests. She found great pleasure in growing plants, gardening, reading, bird watching, kayaking, crocheting, and watching her favorite movies/TV shows. She was happiest where she could enjoy nature and was an avid photographer. Of all her interests, Kelly absolutely loved spending time with her two lovable fur kids, her dogs, Kelsey and Tucker. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and pets.
Kelly was loved by many and her humility and subtle sense of humor will be dearly missed by those whose lives she touched in her short 40 years. As a Gift of Life donor, her loving and giving nature will continue to live on through the lives of many.
In addition to her two special fur babies, she leaves many fond memories to her sister, Jill S. Gilmore-Newland of Elkton, MD; her father, Clyde Gilmore of Dover, OH; her nephew, with whom she shared a special bond, Tim (Danielle) Gilmore of Dennison, OH; her loving aunt, Suzanne (Alvin) Strong of Essex Junction, VT; cousins, Elizabeth (Iba) Al Wohoush of Fenton, MO and Christina Strong of Santa Cruz, CA, as well as other family members, co-workers and many dear friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Kelly’s life will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE 19711. Interment will be private.
If you prefer, in lieu of flowers, a contribution to your local No Kill pound/shelter, may be made in Kelly’s memory.
Jill Gilmore - Newland
Although you may be gone from this earth, know that you will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Kelsey and Tucker don’t quite understand where you went, but know that I tell them every night that their Mommy loves them and I pet and hug them.
Our 2 trial years were not up yet and would have given anything to make that happen. We NEVER gave up on you, we loved you so much!! I was being selfish, wanting you here with me, but God had other plans for you. And living with you, the past year and months, has taught me to be unselfish. And do for the greater good and Let It Go.
Even though, I was the older sister, you were wise beyond your years. I don’t think I conveyed how proud and honored to have you as a Sister…
I love and miss you bunches and bunches, Kelly…
Tracey Mulligan
Although I didn’t know Kelly long I was honored to call her a part of my family. Kelly joined the Knit, Krochet and Konnect group and that is where our journey began. Kelly had an amazing sense of humor and a smile the brightened not only the room but your heart. Kelly was a humble person and down played her talent but I will always remember her “bowl hat”.
When I was at my lowest point due to my health Kelly always made sure to check in with me on Thursday nights and let me know she was praying for me. She would remind me I was not alone and strong enough to get through it all. Kelly made sure to tell me how great I looked during my recovery and kept me laughing even with my pain.
Kelly got sick so quickly and I remember the last time I saw her. She had such trouble going up the stairs but she still smiled and joked about her job. I hugged her good bye that night never thinking it would be the last time I saw her. If I had known I would have made sure to tell her just how much she meant to me. I can only hope that she knew.
Kelly was an wonderful person, a true friend and a great addition to our family. She brought Jill into our lives and made it that much richer. Kelly’s illness and sudden death will always make me remember to tell those around me how much I love and appreciate them. It will always remind me to be happy in life and know that I am loved.
Kelly may be gone but her spirit will always be there in those whose life she touched. I am and will always be honored to call Kelly a member of my family. And I know she will be watching over me.
Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her. And may the souls of the faithfully departed, through God’s mercy, rest in peace. Amen.
Ed Adams
We have lost a wonderful friend and neighbor. Kelly will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Dale Markowitz
Despite her short career with CBP, Kelly endeared herself to all. True to her nature, thinking of others first, she became the Peer Support representative for the Port of Philadelphia. How regrettably ironic that our Peer Support Officer became the one in need over the last few months. The impression she made on the Philadelphia CBP staff was evidenced by the leave donated to ensure a pay check need not be one of her worries. She will be sorely missed by the entire CBP workforce. May all who knew her cherish the memories. Rest in peace Kelly.
Glenn Petrucci
I am at a huge loss for words. I am so sorry to thear of Kelly’s passing. Jill, I hope that you and your family know that we will miss Kelly’s smiling face on our paddles. I admired her humility and determination.
God bless you Kelly and R.I.P.
Nicole Hammond
We were privileged to have Kelly as our neighbor. She had such a kind soul. We enjoyed conversations about plants and the “kids,” our pets. As a neighbor, we could not ask for better. She will be missed. Heaven gained an angel in October! We pray for her family left here, especially her sister Jill. May God give you all strength through this time. God bless you all!
Edward Horgan
I attended CBP’s Agriculture Specialist Training with Kelly at the USDA’s Professional Development Center in Frederick, Maryland a shade more than six years ago. In that short time, Kelly proved to be one of the brightest, kindest, most caring people that I have met before or since. I know that she was proud of her work. She had an incisive, curious mind and on more than one occasion I witnessed the steel in her personality as she stood up for someone or something at class. I had the privilege of meeting her Mother as well. She is sorely missed and my prayers go out to her family and other friends.