Our sunshine, Kelly Flora (Bagley) Kangas left this world far too early on Thursday, April 25 from complications of an illness at the Jack Byrne Center. Kelly entered this world the last of four children on September 6, 1979, just minutes behind her twin brother, Daniel. Known for her independent, fun-loving personality, Kelly was a child who melted the hearts of all who met her while she moved mountains.
Kelly attended the Developmental Center in Woodstock, before continuing her education at the Woodstock Elementary School. She completed her educational career graduating from Woodstock Union High School in 1999. While in school, she competed in spelling bees, the Special Olympics, played softball, and volunteered at VINS. Kelly made many lifelong friends along the way.
Kelly was a lover of animals, family, and friends but her greatest love was her husband, Michael Kangas, who she married on September 8, 2009, in a garden ceremony at her great aunties’ house in Quechee. Kelly and Mike were inseparable. Together they loved to travel and expand their fur family which included many cats, rodents, and reptiles. Her dog, Gracie, was with her in her final days.
Independence was important to Kelly. She worked when her health allowed her and left her mark in many places of employment, including the Mountain Creamery, Price Chopper, Dartmouth College, Kmart, Little Caesars, and the Union Arena. Kelly grew up in Bridgewater but she and Mike spent many years living with Kelly’s great aunties in Quechee. They then set out on their own, living in White River Junction and Grey, Maine, but have most recently made their home in Hartford, Vt.
Kelly was predeceased by her grandparents, Winston and Hazel; her great aunties, Nellie, Pat, Barbara, and Kay; her great Uncle David; her Uncle Alan (she will forever be his Gertrude); and her hero, our father, Daniel. Kelly leaves behind a wealth of people whose hearts she touched in her short life, including but not limited to her loving husband, Michael; her mother, Cheryl; her twin brother, Daniel II (Danielle); and her sisters, Kristi and Katrina (Daniel). She will be remembered by her nephew Joss and her niece Gracie; her former brother in law, Jeremy; by many aunts and uncles; even more cousins, including her special cousins Shane, Jeremi, Mary, and Pam. More importantly, Kelly had many friends who are feeling her loss and we, her family, want to thank them for loving and supporting her along her journey.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 10 at 1 p.m. at the Hilltop Cemetery in Quechee. A celebration of life will follow at our family home in Bridgewater. Because Kelly had such a love of animals, contributions may be made to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society or the Jack Byrne Center in honor of their short but amazing care. Cabot Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.
