Linda L. (Dickinson) Kelly

     Linda L. Kelly, 81 years of Ellison Bay passed away on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Scandia Village in Sister Bay with husband Bill, son Kevin and daughter Erin at her side.

     She was born May 29, 1942 in Chicago, IL the daughter of the late Lindsey and Lillian (Pierson) Dickinson. Linda graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago before attending Illinois State Teachers College. On October 5, 1963, she married her childhood sweetheart, William J. Kelly at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chicago. They have known each other and been together for 76 years. It really was love at first sight. They were blessed with seven children.

     Linda had worked for Grundy County Nursing Home in Illinois. They vacationed in Door County for many years and in 1998 moved to Ellison Bay permanently. Linda had worked for Newport State Park before the Berch Tree in Ellison Bay, and Simply Scandinavian in Gills Rock. But her greatest accomplishment was the care and love she showed with her efforts in rescuing animals, particularly young racoons. She loved nature and it loved her back as the young racoons would mature and have babies of their own and return each spring to show her their babies. Linda was a very good photographer and documented these visits every year.

     With her love of nature and animals aside, Linda truly loved her children and the growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the years.

     Surviving family include her husband, William of Ellison Bay; six children, William Jr. (Terri) of Coal City, IL, Brian (Diane) of TN, Michael (Tina) of Morris, IL, Jack (Lori) of Lake Arrowhead, CA, Erin (Adam) Kotowski of Channahon, IL, Kevin of Ellison Bay; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

     Preceding her in death were her parents, Lindsey and Lillian Dickinson; daughter, Bonnie Lynn Kelly (1998); brother, Lindsey; and sister, Bonnie Lynn Dickinson.

      A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Ellison Bay with Pastor Jim Peterson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

     Memorials may be made to the family or a charity of your choice.

     Casperson Funeral Home is assisting the Kelly family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Linda may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.

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