Yesterday family and friends said a final farewell to my mom — Gramma to my girls, Nonnie to her younger grandkids, Sweet Ann to her sisters and friends, Goofy (or Obnoxious, Opinionated, Absolutely Off The Wall) Ann to others.

Regardless of the many monikers, Patricia Ann Kelly left an impression on all who knew her, an aching heart in those who loved her dearly and lost her too soon.

A mere sketch of my mama, i.e., her obituary:

PATRICIA ANN KELLY
August 25, 1941 ~ November 4, 2018

Patricia "Ann" Kelly, age 77, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, November 4, 2018, at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo, CO, after a valiant battle with lung cancer.

Ann, a resident of Pueblo, was born August 25, 1941, in Manning, S.C., to John R. Pierce and Maudie Mae Allen. She spent her childhood in North Carolina and her early adulthood in Minnesota. Colorado has been her home since 1974, residing at various times in Woodland Park, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.

Ann was proud of her accomplishments in the real estate field, first as a real estate agent then a mortgage loan originator. Her most satisfying role, though, was that of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

A passionate animal lover, Ann opened her heart and home to innumerable dogs and cats throughout the years. She also loved singing and dancing, gardening and reading, and extra-crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken. Some of Ann's most cherished memories were of motorcycle road trips taken with second husband Gerald "Jerry" Kelly, highlighted by stops at every "Point of Interest" along the way, regardless of size or significance.

Ann joins her beloved Jerry in heaven and others who preceded her in death: her parents; and stepbrothers, Leonard Wiggins, Raymond Wiggins, and Bobby Wiggins. Ann is survived and will be greatly missed by sisters, Darlene (Mac) Varnum and Janie Guthrie; children, Jeff Aukema, Rebecca (Rick) Youngs, Lisa (Jim) Carpenter, Jennifer Reno, Debbie Aukema, David Aukema, Susan McGrane; 21 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Memorial service, 2 p.m. Sunday, November 11, 2018, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com.

Rest in peace, my crazy, unforgettable, and oh-so dear Mom.