Patricia ‘Pat’ Marie Kelly tribute: Tears flow for beloved Coolum singer

Family and friends have bid an emotional farewell to Coolum singer and Catholic Church member Patricia ‘Pat’ Kelly after her battle with Parkinson’s disease. Read the tribute.

Family and friends have paid tribute to Sunshine Coast musical director Patricia ‘Pat’ Marie Kelly after she passed away following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Mrs Kelly, who died on June 7, 2022 aged 83, had been a resident of Coolum since 1994 and was involved in a number of community organisations such as St Vincent De Paul Coolum, Meals on Wheels Coolum, the musical director at St Peter‘s Catholic, Coolum Bowls Club and Cool Harmonies choir group.

Her son Joe, the state Labor member for Greenslopes, said she spent her final hours surrounded by her children, brothers, grandkids and visitors.

“Mum had a nine year battle with Parkinson’s disease, with the last two and a half years being particular tough, but she smiled until the end and her thoughts were always on the welfare of others,” he said.

“She married her husband Bill in 1959 and they had seven children – Christine, Bill, Peter, Paul, Vince, Joe and Angela – and 14 grandchildren.

“She trained as a nurse but had to leave when she got married as the rules at the time did not allow married women to continue but she always said that her job was ‘mother’ and she was outstanding at it.”

Patricia ‘Pat’ Marie Kelly surrounded by her children at a recent family gathering.

Her son Bill said she would be remembered by many people for many different things.

“Mum was a very sincere Christian, a very accepting and caring person, always looking to bring joy into the lives of others, always curious and a great sense of humour,” he said.

“She loved music, singing, camping, travelling, cooking, visiting, the ability to talk with strangers, wandering and the necessity of the afternoon sleep.”

Patricia ‘Pat’ Marie Kelly singing for the Cool Harmonies choir group in Coolum.

Known for her musical talent and her “ability to light up a room” a number of people have left their tributes to Mrs Kelly on numerous Facebook posts.

“Pat was an accomplished pianist and accompanied us on a number of songs, as well as performing some beautiful solos with her sweet sounding soprano voice,” a post from the Cool Harmonies read.

“Farewell Dear Pat, you were a wonderfully Cool Harmonion, you will now be in the Choir of Angels in Heaven,” Rosalie Hall said.

Originally published as Patricia ‘Pat’ Marie Kelly tribute: Tears flow for beloved Coolum singer