Helen Kelly

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Helen Kelly, who died on December 18, 2025, at the age of 84, in Austin, Texas. Helen’s combination of warmth, selflessness, resilience, and gracious presence left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy continues through her family, her students, and the many friendships she cherished.

Helen lived a life she consciously and joyfully chose, alongside her devoted husband, Jere. Together, they built a partnership rooted in curiosity, generosity, and a shared spirit of learning and discovery. Their marriage spanned more than six decades of friendship, adventure, teamwork, and family — an enduring bond that shaped every chapter of each other’s adult lives.

Helen grew up in Longview, Texas, but she came to be, in every meaningful sense, a citizen of the world. Together with Jere, she lived and taught overseas, transforming a shared dream of life abroad into a lived reality. Wherever they went, Helen embraced new cultures and communities with openness and grace, forming lasting friendships and making each place feel like home.

Teaching was one of Helen’s great joys. For over 30 years, she taught in schools across six nations in four continents, touching the lives of her students. She believed deeply in the potential of young people and in the quiet power of encouragement. That belief shaped generations of students who remember Helen for her innate ability to connect, inspire, and instill self-confidence.

Above all, Helen treasured her family. She was the loving mother of three adoring children — Mark, Rand, and Kristen — and a devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. Helen also shared a lifelong bond with her sister, Karen, whose presence and support accompanied her throughout her life.

Helen would remind us to meet the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and face the future with confidence and a sense of humor. Though we miss her deeply, her spirit continues to guide us — to stay curious, to nurture deep family bonds, and to remain open to new experiences. Helen shaped who we are and we carry her with us — always.

There was a service for Helen with extended family on Christmas day and there are no plans for a broader service. All friends and loved ones are invited to leave a note, share a memory or experience, or make a tribute of any kind in the comments section below.

For those who wish to honor Helen, contributions may be made in support of the UT Health Comprehensive Memory Center at the link at the bottom of the obituary or in the "Donations' tab below. Much appreciation for those who choose to honor Helen’s memory in this way.

- In doing so, type “Comprehensive Memory Center” directly into the “Designation” text box in order to select accordingly. Be sure to designate it “In the memory of Helen Kelly” and list the notification recipient name as Jere Kelly and email as [email protected]

Link for Memorial Contributions for UT Health Comprehensive Memory Center: https://give.utexas.edu/campaigns/59328/donations/new