GILLESPIE KAREN KELLEY Age 54, of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully, Friday evening, October 23, 2015, at Duke University Hospital Pavilion, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on December 29, 1960, in Greensburg, PA, the daughter of Paul Eugene Kelley, Sr. and the late Martha Irene King Kelley. For the past 28 years she had been a dedicated employee at SAS, her former position was as the Operations Manager for the Energy and Manufacturing Business Unit in the Sales division. During her years at SAS she held several other positions, one of those working in the Financial Services Business Unit, and of course her first job in Contracts. Karen made many long-term friends and lasting friendships everywhere she worked, she will be missed by many. Karen was a proud graduate of Penn State University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree and she continued her education at Meredith College here in Raleigh, receiving a Master's degree. She loved vacationing at the beach with her husband, Dale where they could just relax and enjoy the sunsets while walking on the beach. They also enjoyed dining out and spending time listening to LPs on their high-end audio system. Karen was especially close with her "besties" in her social circle but loved all her family and friends with deep emotion. The love for her kitties and animals in general was tangible. One of her favorite things was riding in her convertible with the top down while listening to Enya at total peace with the moment. She was also a huge fan of classic rock and roll, and was a super fan of Pink Floyd. Karen, our "crazy diamond," will remain in our hearts and be forever loved! We truly wish you were still here. Her greatest passion in life besides family and friends was Penn State Football (go Nittany Lions!), she and her father would spend every Saturday afternoon during football season watching the game side by side. She knew the plays, the penalties and she never had a problem offering up coaching suggestions to the TV. They even made trips to away games to support their beloved Nittany Lions. She is survived by her husband, Dale Raymond Gillespie of Raleigh; her father, Paul Eugene Kelley, Sr. of Raleigh; her brother, Paul Eugene Kelley, Jr. and his life partner, Wendy Cliner of Richmond, VA; her sister-in-law, Julie Kelley; along with her niece, Julianne Kelley; nephew, Zachary Kelley; and great-nephew, John Muro. She was preceded in death by her mother; and a brother, Michael David Kelley. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Road, in Raleigh. Family will greet friends and share loving memories of Karen on Friday evening, October 30, 2015, from 7-9 p.m. at MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that because of Karen's great love and fondness for the small and furry among us that contributions be made to the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603, in Karen's memory so that there can be many Second Chances. Online condolences may be made to the family through: www.mitchellatrmp.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
