Laura Kelly

Splendor in the Grass

What though the radiance which was once so bright

Be now forever taken from my sight,

Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower?

We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind

-William Wordsworth

MARQUETTE, MI- Laura Louise (Karchefski) Kelly of Marquette passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and the compassionate care of Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.

Laura was a radiant light, often ahead of her time. She embodied generosity and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by all.

Born in Glendale, Arizona to Alice (Beeler) and Kenneth Karchefski at Luke Air Force Base. Her older sister Carol described Laura as a “fun loving child who tried her best to make everyone around her happy”. Her father’s service meant Laura spent her childhood moving everywhere from Texas, to Nebraska, to Oregon, to Arkansas, before transferring to KI Sawyer Air Force Base in Gwinn, Michigan. While attending Gwinn Middle School, Laura met Debbie (Foster) Helton, who would go on to become a lifelong friend and soul sister.

Laura graduated from Gwinn High School in 1970 and attended Northern Michigan University where she found her passion for the theater. She became a fixture at Forest Roberts Theater having performed in many productions including “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Godspell” and also serving as the Theater’s costume designer. Laura spent a summer as a regular cast member in The “Great Passion Play” in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She earned her Sociology BA from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

In Marquette, Laura met her future husband, Kim Kelly, a handsome B-52 pilot stationed at KI Sawyer Air Force Base, on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. They married on November 15, 1986, in Muncie, Indiana. Laura and Kim quickly settled into their first home on Piqua Alley, where they started their family. Laura gave birth to three daughters: Meghan, Corey, and Kathleen. As a dedicated civil servant, ardent feminist, and outspoken advocate for the underserved, Laura instilled the values of compassion and social activism in her children. She was an involved and loving mother, always encouraging them to follow their dreams. She often shared heartfelt advice, one of her favorites being: “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

Laura’s professional career included serving as the director of Craighead County Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect (SCAN) in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She later moved back to Michigan and became a Probation Officer and Community Care Coordinator at the Marquette County Juvenile Court in 1981, alongside the Hon. Judge Anderegg. Over the next 25 years, Laura made a significant impact, touching the lives of over 500 youths in the area. She recruited, licensed, trained, and supported Juvenile Court foster parents and worked as an Intra-Family Adoption Caseworker, performing home studies and making recommendations to Probate Court. After retiring from the Marquette County Juvenile Court in 2006, Laura continued her work with youth-focused organizations, including Helping Enhance and Recognize Skills – One Girl at a Time, where she mentored teenage girls on probation, and Smooth Landing Home, which provided reintegration services for youth released from residential care. She also worked as a Foster Care Caseworker and Foster Home Licensing Worker at Child & Family Services of the Upper Peninsula.

Laura was a passionate volunteer and board member for several organizations, including the New Free Store, My Powerful Question Institute, Start the Cycle, Access Justice Now, Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Team, Parent Aid Volunteer with Child and Family Services, and Scan Parent Therapist. She was a longstanding advocate for the community’s youth.

Her work and dedication were recognized when she was named UP Social Worker of the Year in 1984 by the UP Foster Parent Association and Volunteer of the Year in 2014 by the Marquette County Children’s Coalition.

Outside of work Laura was a prolific Scrabble player, quilter extraordinaire, she wrote poetry, traveled extensively with her friend Margaret, attended plays and was a proud member of the Crones, a professional women’s group. Laura was a passionate, fiery, golden-hearted soul who embodied kindness, enthusiasm, and courage. She was a warrior for social justice and a champion of compassion. She always encouraged others, offering support and a positive direction to all in need.

Laura is survived by her husband, Kim Kelly; sisters, Carol Karchefski and Janine Canady; daughters, Meghan Soucy (Sean Soucy), Corey Wiseman (Craig Wiseman), and Kathleen Kelly; grandsons, Beau Soucy and Graham Wiseman; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Linda Berg; and her brother, Fredrick Karchefski.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the New Free Store in Marquette, MI, a cause Laura deeply supported, www.thenewfreestore.org.

A celebration of Laura’s life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the care and support received from friends and neighbors during this time.

Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com.