Kellie grew up in St Paul in a family with 2 older brothers. She told us that her full first name is Kellene and that, with a maiden name of Sullivan, she had plenty of Irish. Kellie also said she had strong women role models, including a grandmother who was a stabilizing force in her childhood. Her mother, as a single mom, had to be more than was required of standard motherhood.
After a quick review of her early years, Kellie told us that she was a Pan Am flight attendant in her 20’s, in New York City (becoming a Mets fan in the process). After UWRF, Kellie’s flight attendant role took her to much of the world, and convincing her that international exposure is important in education for anyone who can get the experience. Kellie was first in her family to graduate from college. During her college years, she worked part-time at Bo’s and Mine; from those days, Kellie has maintained some of close friendships.
Kellie married her husband Bob in her 30’s in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and they have now been married for 24 years. She said that she really found herself in 40s. Her very first mammogram revealed a cancer, and she had an aggressive course of chemo and related treatments. Kellie said that cancer saved her life because she knew she needed change, which included exploring her religious side and benefitting with connections to the members of church communities. That change has been enriching.
After a paid position was eliminated, Kellie volunteered to lead at Relay for Life. That opened up a number of connections in the community. She also shared that her husband gave her a kitten as a Christmas gift at a tough time, and the cat – now 16 years old -- made a difference in her life. Kellie also said that her husband Bob took great care of her based on how well he saw his dad take care of his mother when Bob was a boy. In discussing her cancer journey, Kellie mentioned support from both Elaine Baumann and Ann Jilek.
In her current position at UWRF as an advancement officer, Kellie works with alumni and community members to develop programs and scholarships at UWRF. She mentioned Linda in that context.
Kellie also mentioned Guatemala connection and fondness for people of that country. For those who don’t remember, Kellie was part of a Hudson Rotary group that went to that country recently. She left us with a saying: be the things you loved the most about the people who are gone.