Laura Joan Kelley's Obituary
Laura Joan Kelley (nee Skiba), age 74, passed away peacefully, quickly and quietly on February 13, 2026. Laura was a sensitive soul who met each challenge life gave her with dignity, grace, and a resilience of spirit that was grounded in her unwavering Roman Catholic Faith. Laura loved spending time with her family, cats, researching, reading, and 1960's music. Laura was the first-born child of Bernard J. and Joan Skiba (both deceased), and was lovingly guided through her adult life by her Stepfather Elmer J. Arvay (deceased).
In her twilight years, Laura was cared for by her brother Joseph "Joe" Skiba, and her sisters, Marlene Kabat, Cheryl Bock, and Diana Thomas, who were devoted to her and whose support she appreciated beyond words.
Laura was the beloved wife of over 30 years to James "Jim" Kelley (deceased), and the devoted, loving mother of Cheryl Allana Kelley-Burn (Phil), from before the time she was born, throughout all time, and always.
She was the loving sister of Joseph Skiba, Allan Skiba (deceased) (Sharon), Marlene Kabat (Bruce), Richard Skiba, Kenneth Skiba (deceased), Cheryl Bock, and Diana Thomas. Loving aunt of Christopher Bock, Amber Thomas (fiancé Nick), Nicholas Thomas (fiancée Autumn), Andrew Bock (Victoria), Michael Kabat (Kady), and Marissa Kabat.
Loving step-sister of Don Arvay (deceased) (Brandy), Dale Arvay (Karen), Carol Wilhelm (Don), and step-aunt to Donna Arvay, Buddy Arvay, Michael Arvay, and Jennifer Arvay Kefalas (Greg).
Cherished sister-in-law of Kevin Kelley (deceased), Brian Kelley (Marna), Tom Kelley (Shauna, deceased), Maureen Cydzik (Tony), and Mike Kelley (Lisa). Cherished aunt of Michael Ryan Kelley (Tara), Kathleen Kuzak (Brandon), Marie Kelley, Erin Kelley, and Ryan Kelley (Ryan). Great aunt of Colin Kelley, and Rosie, Lilliana, and Kaden Kuzak. Cherished cousin-in-law and pen pal to Bridgie Barratt of Achill Island, Ireland.
Lifelong friend to Charlene Soby, and Ray and Marie Pfeiffer (Beloved Godparents of Cheryl Allana).
Mass Christian Burial at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 6912 Chestnut Road (corner of Chestnut and Brecksville Roads), Independence, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 (please meet at church), with interment immediately following at Maple Shade Cemetery. Family requests no flowers, but donations to local feline animal charities are appreciated.
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