Carol Ann Kelley

Carol Ann (Peterson) Kelley, 86, of Duluth, went to be with her Lord on May 21, 2023. Carol was born in Duluth on September 30, 1936. She graduated from Central High School and the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Elementary Education. She married Bob Kelley in 1979 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth, and they shared 44 years of marriage. Together Carol and Bob loved, supported, and encouraged each other as they led busy lives participating in countless work, community, and church activities.

As an educator, Carol touched many lives. She taught elementary school for 42 years, including two years in Racine, Wisconsin; two years in San Bernadino, California; and 38 years in the Duluth Public Schools, where she also served as a Reading Specialist. Additionally, she taught Reading Methods in the teacher certification programs at UW-Superior and The College of St. Scholastica.

In addition to her inspiring teaching career, Carol was a dedicated and giving volunteer in our community and at Gloria Dei. She was named 2003 Twin Ports Woman of the Year because of her volunteer work for the community in which she lived. A sampling of her service includes the following:

-MN Reading Association President 1990-91

-Duluth Public Library Board (served 2 terms)
-Friends of the Duluth Public Library (20 years)

-Duluth Public Library Foundation Board (12 years)

-Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota—Northeast Region Advisory Council (20 years including work with the Center for Changing Lives and the Bethany Crisis Center)

-CHUM Board (served 2 terms and Secretary for 2 years)

-Ecumen Lakeshore Auxiliary (20 years, 10 years as President)

-At Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Duluth, shepherded in Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation initiative and Saturday Free Neighborhood Breakfast

She cared deeply about and was a luminary for the welcome and inclusion of all people.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Myrtle Peterson; and brother Dennis Peterson. She is survived by her husband Bob, sister Diane, two nephews, two nieces, 10 grand nieces and nephews, and one great-grandnephew in Copenhagen.

She will be dearly missed by her husband and family, by her friends and colleagues, by her church, and by the community that she served tirelessly throughout her life. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Gloria Dei, 6^th Ave. East and 3^rd Street in Duluth, on Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a reception following. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to Lutheran Social Services (LSS) and to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home https://www.doughertyfuneralduluth.com/obituaries.