Gwen L. Kelly

Gwen L. Kelly, 41, of Hanover, beloved wife of Gregory A. Kelly, started her dance with Jesus on Saturday, October 15, 2016 from her residence following complications of her brave fight with leukemia.
Born on Monday, October 21, 1974 in Hanover, she was the daughter of Shirley Hesson Malkus and her husband, Timothy of Littlestown and Daniel R. Gilbert and his wife, Cecilia of Midford. She was a 1993 graduate of Littlestown High School and a 1997 graduate of Messiah College, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in education. In 2004, she and Greg married, having met during their ministries at the Bethesda Mission. Over the next few years, they would follow God’s calling which would lead them to new places and new experiences and eventually return them to the Hanover area in 2014.
Dedicated to her children and their family, Gwen was a skilled teacher who educated their children from the home. She was a woman of great integrity and lived by the saying “If you are going to say it, then do it.” In January 2016, she was diagnosed with leukemia and throughout her treatment, she showed others the grace of God and the light of a living Lord. There was a positivity that followed her and people liked to be with her. She had a servant’s heart, a contagious laugh, and a life motto of “Do what is right, not what is easy.”
In addition to her husband of 12 years, she is survived by her children, Caleb T. and Emma G. Kelly, both of the home; three stepchildren, Benjaman R. Kelly of FL, Anthony A. Kelly of Annville and Christine L. Meccariello of FL; five step-grandchildren; a brother, Gary L. Gilbert and his wife, Rachel of Powder Springs, GA; step-sister, Michelle Bohrer and her husband, Alvin and step-brother, Ben Bortner and his wife, Nicole, all of Hanover and several nieces and nephews.
Following cremation, a celebration of her life will be held on her birthday, Friday, October 21, 2016 at 7 pm at Calvary Bible Church, 603 Wilson Avenue with Pastor David Hockman officiating. Burial will be held privately in Rest Haven Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to directly assist cancer patients locally through Sweet Charities Cancer Patient Fund, PMB #154, 1150 Carlisle St., Suite 5, Hanover, PA 17331.