Obituaries

Cheryl (Cherie) Kelly, 68, of Geneva, Illinois passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL after a long illness while surrounded by her loving family. Born in Waukegan, IL, she was a graduate of Northern Illinois University and Waukegan High School. Cherie was an Elementary Educator in both Catholic and public schools and was known for her dedication, warmth and strong work ethic. Over the years, she also volunteered her time to teach in the Girl Scouts and Catholic Catechism classes.

Cherie was a very creative artist. She deeply loved music and played both the organ and tamburitza. She shared her musical gifts as a member of the American-Croatian Waukegan Tamburitzans. She also handmade many beautiful crafts to decorate her home and give to others. At every opportunity, Cherie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and Granddogs. She was deeply devoted to her family, spending many years caring for her parents and will be remembered for her giving heart, always putting others first and offering kindness without hesitation. She was also an avid sports fan and closely followed both the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks.

Cherie is survived by her spouse; David Kelly, son; John (Courtney) Kelly, of Raleigh, NC; three daughters: Lauren (Greg) Kaminski of Elburn, IL, Allyson Kelly, and Elena Kelly of Oregon, IL; five grandchildren: Catherine, John “Jack”, Eleanor and Josephine Kelly and Carter Kaminski; siblings: Rochelle (Thomas) Talley of Chapel Hill, NC and John (Norma) Balen of Hillsborough, CA, in addition to many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents John L. and Helen T. Balen. Visitation will be on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva, IL, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Geneva, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Cherie’s memory may be made to the Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation, Inc. or Teach For America.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed using the link below.

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