Ancient Burials - Funerals, Memorials & Preplanning in Greater Vancouver | Fraser Valley | Fraser Canyon
  • Home
  • Report a Death
  • Obituaries
  • Services
  • Merchandise
  • Resources
    • Procedures Following A Death
    • Cemeteries We Serve
    • Green Burials
    • Religious Funerals
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Financial Assistance
    • Useful Links
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Mortuary Facility
    • Aldergrove Heritage Hall
    • Our Community Crematorium
    • Honouring Our Dead
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Report a Death
  • Obituaries
  • Services
  • Merchandise
  • Resources
    • Procedures Following A Death
    • Cemeteries We Serve
    • Green Burials
    • Religious Funerals
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Financial Assistance
    • Useful Links
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Mortuary Facility
    • Aldergrove Heritage Hall
    • Our Community Crematorium
    • Honouring Our Dead
    • Contact Us

Obituaries & Notices

Send Flowers

Keam, Kelsey

5/20/2022

8 Comments

 
Kelsey Keam
My beautiful, eclectic and witty daughter Kelsey passed away on May 8, 2022.

Born October 30, 1990 in Calgary, Kelsey was a beautiful baby.  Her great grandmother Gladys Bittorf was there right from the start and cared for her when I had surgery in 1992 in Toronto.  She was a happy baby with an infectious laughter.  Blonde curly hair and big beautiful blue eyes, she was outgoing and friendly; quick to smile and engage people around her.  Once on a bus in Calgary she had everyone singing along with her - “the wheels on the bus go round and round.”

We moved to Vancouver in 1994 which allowed her to spend time with her grandparents Donna, Allan, Gloria, Jim and Jan.  She was loved, had fun, and learned so much from them.  She was truly blessed and supported by her grandparents; I am very grateful for all the enrichment they added to her life.  

Kelsey had a unique style and was always one step ahead of most fashion trends.  Her joy and skill at thrift shopping was epic... Once when she was about 4 or 5 we walked into a thrift shop and she b-lined it to the back of the store, reached into a rack, and within seconds pulled out two very expensive cashmere sweaters in mint condition.

Kelsey and I shared a deep love of music; jazz, rock, punk, rap, hip hop, Motown…. Paul Simon’s Graceland was one of her favourite albums.  When she was a child we would go to the children's festival, concerts, plays, art galleries, museums; It was a happy time for us living in Vancouver and having opportunities to embrace art and culture.  We went to Buddhist temples, shared food with the Hari Krishnas, attended festivals and danced to the community band at Grandview Park.  Kelsey was a bright light on Commercial Drive and in the housing co-op where we lived.  

Kelsey’s early years at the Waldorf school and living in a home with no TV instilled a life-long love of reading.  In grade 7 her teacher called me to say she had tested at university-level reading comprehension.  

We moved to Kelowna during Kelsey’s High School years.  She stayed true to who she was; dressing in outlandish outfits, sporting her wild- coloured hair, studying music history, attending a writers retreat and working at the movie theatre.  Denis was a dear friend to her and helped to ease some of the friction mothers have with their daughters at that age.  He remained a trusting and loyal person in her life right up to the end.

When Kelsey's best friend moved to Vancouver their last year of high school (2009) Gloria graciously allowed Kelsey to come and do her graduating year at Kitsilano High School.  Kelsey had the opportunity to spend more time with her dear Aunty Jo, whom she looked up to and loved very much. 

After graduation, Kelsey spent time working on Salt Spring Island and then Victoria where she was able to create good memories getting to know her Uncle Evan and his wife Erin.  She attended many concerts and festivals during that time and added to her tattoo collection.  

Eventually Kelsey decided to return to Kelowna and attended the Human Service Worker program at Okanagan College.  It was a very positive and enriching experience.  She excelled and was the Valedictorian of Okanagan College in 2013. 

Kelsey worked in Kelowna after graduating from Okanagan College, first at Willowbridge and then at the NOW Canada Women's Shelter.  Eventually she decided to move to Vancouver and worked at the Downtown Eastside Women's Shelter.  Sadly, a confluence of past trauma, a heart that was too open and trusting, and the tsunami of working on the front lines of the opioid crisis and covid caused her to spiral into a dark place.  She fought to keep the bright light that she was shining through, but within 2 years it flickered out.  

Missing you dear Kelsey … Love you to the moon and back.
8 Comments
Rob and Liz
5/25/2022 07:25:58 am

We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies.

Reply
Adrienne Berchtold
8/4/2022 03:38:30 pm

Kelsey was disarming, impossible not to love. She was one of the most truly genuine and kind people I’ve ever met. Friends since 2018, I watched her struggle with grace and a unique self-awareness to work through her trauma, addiction, and mental health. No one can say she did not try to overcome the hardships life put in her path.

Kels, I love you. I miss you. I feel so, so honoured to have known you and to have been seen by you. Thank you for the bond we shared and the lessons we learned together. I am heartbroken that you didn’t get the ending you so deserved. I hope you left knowing how special you are.

Always your friend,
Adrienne

Reply
Lucie Swan
8/10/2022 08:45:16 pm

Such a terrible loss, My heart is really with you. Kelsey and I went to high school together in grade 12, Kits, I have some great photos of her during this time, please feel free to reach out if you would want some copies. All my sympathies.

Reply
Kara Keam
8/12/2022 06:07:02 am

Hi Lucie - I would love to see the photo's. Please email me at karakeam@gmail.com so we can connect.

Reply
Dan
10/27/2022 05:44:21 am

My sincerest condolences for you at this time. You have my deepest sympathy. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Kelsey was a beautiful human being,

Reply
Kara Keam
12/19/2022 10:35:35 pm

Thank you Dan.

Reply
Naomi A
12/19/2022 06:41:57 pm

So sorry to hear about your sweet daughter, Kelsey. We met in Kelowna years ago, she came to my house for a PPV night and we hit it off instantly. She sent me a message the next day to say how much she loved my pink hair (when no one else did!) and told me not to worry and be myself. She was a true friend, a radiant light and one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. We drifted apart when she moved to Vancouver but I’ve always held a special place for her. You made a difference Kelsey and you’ll be missed. I hope you’re happy now, surrounded by all the dogs in heaven.

Reply
Kara Keam
12/19/2022 08:20:49 pm

Thank you Naomi - she was one of a kind & I miss her so much.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

LOCAL 604-308-2822

Toll Free ​1-800-888-2806

Email

SERVICE@ANCIENTBURIALS.COM
House calls and office meetings by appointment
Our office is located at:
2981 272nd Street, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3R3

Fax

604-608-9050
© 2016-2023 Ancient Burials - Funerals, Memorials & Preplanning a division of RZG Holdings Ltd.  BC Funeral Provider License # 70372
Green Hosting Badge