Kelly Walsh

Kelly M. Walsh

Kelly went to her Heavenly home on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with kidney disease. Kelly was 55 and leaves a void in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Kelly was born at Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital in Elmira, NY. She was raised in Elmira, and graduated from Southside High School, class of 1987. She earned her bachelor's degree in Accounting (1991) and her MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Syracuse University. She moved to Rhode Island in 1998 where she enjoyed life with a clear view of her little beach.

Kelly was an executive for CVS, and was active for a time with Great Dane Rescue of New England. Her love of animals ran deep, beginning with a variety of childhood pets, to riding and care of horses, and then her rescue work and adoption of several dogs and cats. Kelly also enjoyed drawing and other artistic pursuits. But most of all, Kelly was devoted to her children. She supported them in every way and encouraged them to each find their passion and to be their authentic self.

Kelly leaves behind her children: Spencer (23), Koa (20), and Thor (17); her parents, Paul and Vinona (Hackett) Walsh; her brother, Shawn (Karen) Walsh; her sister, Doreen (Tom) Sackett; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends, including Ethan González, who, in recent years, she considered an adopted son.

Kelly's family and friends will gather for an outdoor Celebration of Life at the family's home in Portsmouth, RI on September 29, 2024 from 12:00-4:00 pm. Friends wishing to make a gift are encouraged to make a donation in Kelly's memory to either the PKD Foundation or Great Dane Rescue New England or to the family directly to assist with final expenses.