Obituary
Margaret (Maggi) Ann Kelly, age 82, passed away on January 3, 2025, in Winter Park, FL, which was also her 82nd birthday.
Maggi is survived by her husband, John F. Kelly, of Winter Park, FL / Lakewood, WA; her daughter, Shannon Kelly (Seth), of Seattle, WA; her half-brother, Jay Johnson (Nancy), of Lancaster, PA; her half-sister, Cindy Ferreira of Lebanon, PA; her half-sister, Janis Hesse of Madisonville, TN; her brother-in-law, Thomas Kelly of Tacoma, WA; and her beloved feline companions, Ava, Mini, Phinney, Kitten, and Lucy; and by many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Bertha Johnson, and her father, John Marini.
Born on January 3, 1943 in Wilmington, Delaware, Maggi excelled in art and design at school. She parlayed her love for travel, culture, and community into a successful career in the airline industry with a rare blend of personable and firm but fair guidance for the development and implementation of processes, procedures, and best practices. From flight attendant and then supervisor to vice president and executive leadership, Maggi ascended the ranks at National Airlines in Florida, Air Atlanta in Georgia, and Frontier Airlines in Colorado, before retiring as the Director of Inflight at Alaska Airlines in Seattle, WA.
Maggi was a great wife, partner, and a friend to many. She married John F. Kelly in 1993 in Maui, HI and they enjoyed traveling the world, and were fortunate enough to attend the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain; Atlanta, Georgia; and Sydney, Australia. An avid skier since her early 20’s, she went on annual ski vacations to numerous ski destinations around the world, which inspired the couple to purchase a home in Ketchum/Sun Valley, ID where the skiing was excellent. Favorite memories include dinner parties at their home there, “Greyhawk”, enjoying the Ice Shows, and lunch on Mt. Baldy. It was a special place, and they enjoyed hosting friends and family over the years. Most recently, she explored her Italian heritage in the town of Piediloma.
Upon retirement, Maggi rekindled her passion for animals, art, and interior design. An accomplished oil painter, she was co-chair of the Seattle-based PONCHO (Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural, and Charitable Organizations) for a number of years and attended many art venues. She was also deeply involved in animal rescue and rehabilitation for the majority of her life. Maggi will be remembered as a truly special person and a great friend who will be sorely missed.
In lieu of funeral services, and to honor Maggi’s compassionate heart, we ask that all who wish to participate make a donation to the Maggi Kelly Vision Fund at the Jules Stein Institute, UCLA, California, or any local animal shelter. Friends and family can share donations and remembrances on the funeral website.
Our wonderful friendship started when we were "flying by the seat of our pants" and learning together at NAL! What a wonderful life we have shared. Rusty and I have loved you for a very long time and you will always be with us in our hearts! Your Younger Sister, Lynn
NAL Memory Marti, Lynn, and Maggi.......wonderful friends for man, many years.
Love You and Missing You Greatly
May the light that was Maggi burn forever brightly in your hearts and memories. It was an honor to have know her!
I am so very sorry to hear about your loving wife, Maggi.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Janet
Love my sisters, Maggi, Janis and myself (Cindy) .Maggi visiting in Brookside De.
You always been a part of my heart and soul. Missing you.
Lanny and I are sending you our love and prayers. May the many wonderful memories you have and shared with each other comfort you during this difficult time.
Love Paula (cousin) and Lanny
Family times!
And more...
More birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Happy times!
A dear friend, superb artist, animal rights advocate and matching with humor jokester.
You will be missed.
You and Marti have much fun together.
You will be missed and heaven is lucky to have you
Heaven is lucky to have you. You were a dear friend and will be sadly missed
Penny Dahle