Obituary of Kelly Dianne Gates

An avid traveler, home decorator, and foodie, Kelly’s real and abiding passions were her family and friends. Kelly sought to instill in her children a zest for life, a trail blazing attitude, along with the power of love and faith in God. Kelly was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her daughters and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nana.

Kelly was born in Perth-Andover on May 20, 1964. Her love of travel stemmed from childhood. Having a father in the RCMP meant she courageously moved every few years with her family; from Perth-Andover to Fredericton, on to Ottawa and then to Kennebecasis where she graduated high school. She shared many laughs and great memories with family and friends in her parents home on Richie Lake. Kelly went on to become a successful travel agent for many years. She loved to tell stories of her adventures with her sister down in the Bahamas and the European excursion she was blessed to experience with her Mom and Dad. It brought her great joy to provide her children with the opportunity to explore new places and cultures. In later years, her passion for home decor led her to open her very own store Elle Chloe, named after her daughters. Elle Chloe was the culmination of her international travels and her entrepreneurial spirit. She was never afraid to dream big. 

In 2018, Kelly moved to Vancouver Island to be close to her daughters and grandchildren. It was there she would be diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. The prognosis was terminal but Kelly didn’t let that hold her back. Staying true to her fearless nature and faith in God, she surprised the doctors by making a valiant comeback after being told she wouldn’t make it out of the hospital. With her family by her side, Kelly went on to spend her final years traveling. First to her dream destination in Israel, followed by several trips back and forth from Victoria (BC), Moncton (NB), Montreal (QC) and Tofino (BC). She savored every bit of family time that she could with her trusty beagle Gracie by her side. She was an outstanding host and even better guest who loved to cook and clean, enjoying every minute she could with her grandchildren. She and her family returned home to Saint John, New Brunswick, in 2020 where they could be together during unprecedented times. 

Kelly returned to her heavenly home January 29 2022 after a heroic 4 years. 

Kelly is survived by her daughters Chloe Brown (Mike) and Gabrielle Brown; grandsons Noah Cloney and Roscoe Milne; her sister Terri O’dell (Tim) and brother Marc Gates; nieces Natasha Braun (Jared) and Marissa Gates (Cody); she is also survived by her Aunt Pat Yardley (Fitzgerald), Aunt Judy (Fitzgerald) and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary Joan (Fitzgerald) and Carl Gates, and her grandparents Kenneth and Gertrude Fitzgerald.

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). A Celebration of Kelly’s Life will be held at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 1 PM, with visiting one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment to take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery at a later date.

Due to Covid-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings by the Government of New Brunswick, all those 12 and older attending the visitation and service will be required to show proof of vaccination and a piece of government-issued ID or proof of medical exemption.

For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed and can be viewed by visiting Kelly’s memorial page on Kennebecasis’ website. Remembrances may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.