Susan Kelly Memorial Fund

My mom was one of seven children in a military family that moved around a lot. My mom was an extremely independent individual. She was strong but kind and caring. She enjoyed her family and friends. My mom was also one of the hardest workers I have ever met. She always went above and beyond, because that was just who she was. My mother was 66 years old when she died from cancer. She was planning on retiring at 67 years and 8 months, because she couldn't afford to retire sooner. She worked two jobs for a good portion of her life to support herself and me, while I was in school and through college. However, she only made it to 65 when she found out she had cancer. She had to retire early because she could no longer work. She was unable to enjoy her retirement, especially after she had worked so hard all of her life. She was always extremely proud that I graduated college and was able to start my career at 22 and start a retirement fund, so that in her words, "I wouldn't struggle as she had." She was always adamant about the importance of going to college, or even technical school, for anyone, so that you could support yourself, and hopefully, enjoy what you do. I received enough grants and scholarships to pay for my entire college tuition, books, and room and board. She knew she wouldn't be able to help me with funds for college and was extremely grateful, as I was, for all of the financial help I received to help me reach my dream.