Kelly Ann Welsh

Kelly was such a kind soul. She lived life large and had the most infectious laugh and smile. She loved her family so deeply. Her face would light up as she talked about her children and as they grew and you couldn’t help but smile as she told stories about them. To Kelly, family was everything. Graham, kids, and family, I send my deepest condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything! Sending love and comfort to you all. Karen

My deepest heartfelt sympathies to all of us who loved Kelly. I pray for healing as we all face this tragedy together. Kelly was like a big sister to me when we young, and I always looked up to her. To me, Kelly was the epitome of beauty, intelligence, confidence, drive, and achievement. She taught me to aim high, work hard, and never settle for less than the best. Kelly was one of the greatest gifts that God gave me in my young life, and I'm grateful for the time we had. To Diane, Graham, Colin, Maryn, and Cheryl, sending all my love and strength as we move through this difficult time. Jennifer Allan, Cousin

I had the pleasure of working with Kelly for many years as her Spanish interpreter, even though she knew a lot of Spanish herself, when she was with the Federal Defenders Office. While humble about her Spanish skills, she was an excellent lawyer, always smart, funny, direct, and compassionate. Kelly was a beautiful person that I always enjoyed seeing and working with, and I am greatly saddened to know I will not see her lovely smile and hear her hearty laugh again. My deepest condolences to Kelly's family, none of whom I know, but I know she loved them all fiercely. That was obvious from the proud delight she exuded while we traded family stories during our sometimes long waits together. Despite our age difference, I considered her a friend as much as a colleague.

Heartfelt condolences and sincere prayers to Graham, and the rest of Kelly's family and friends. I had the privilege of working for several years in the Federal Defender's Office with Kelly. No matter the challenges, Kelly could always be counted on to bring lots of positive energy to whatever she was doing. She always showed tremendous commitment to all the clients that were entrusted to her care. No matter the circumstances, Kelly could always be counted on for a good laugh, lots of encouragement, and an always-honest and accurate assessment of every situation. While never cutting corners on her work, Kelly also regularly showed a truly deep love and commitment to her family. Although our contact decreased after my family and I moved away from Madison about ten years ago, Kelly will always hold a very special place in my heart. The world lost a good one. Here's to you, friend.

This is such a loss on so many levels. I was fortunate enough to work with Kelly for over a decade. Kelly was a very fine attorney and fought zealously for her clients--she was respected and feared in the courtroom. Indeed, defense attorneys and prosecutors and judges all held her in very high regard. She was also loved by many of her clients, and so well respected that some would request her as their attorney--just from her reputation. She was also a generous and kind colleague who could always be counted on to listen with an empathetic ear and help in any way she could. She was the best. But all of her successes as an attorney paled in comparison to who she was as a mom. Not a single day would go by where she wasn't updating the office with stories about Colin and Maryn. Whether it was their success in ultimate frisbee or swimming or what was happening in the classroom, she was always telling us this or that story. It wasn't that she bragged; it's that her whole life revolved around the kids and she loved them both so much that it was the center of her entire being. For a few years, she ran the PTA out of her office and was sure to remind us of fundraisers for the school. And every birthday was met with a huge celebration and the same amount of planning that a trial would take. Her kids were truly what she was most proud of. No diplomas or accolades were hanging in her office (though she had many); instead, it was school pictures and drawings and cards that the kids made her. Her life was her family. She was just an exceptional, exceptional person and mom, who everyone loved. I miss her dearly and hope that Colin and Maryn and Graham know how deeply she was loved and respected by so many. Our prayers are with you and her.

I had the absolute privilege to work under Kelly as an intern with the FDS. She was an incredible mentor, attorney, friend, and mother. Her laugh would fill the office, and she always had an amazing story to share. Her love of her family and her work was plain from the moment you met her. She was a light in every room she entered. May her memory be a blessing for all who loved her.