Kay Kelly

Kay Ibbott Kelly, 79, of Albany, died at home on August 21 with her family by her side, just 2 months after learning that she had cancer.  Born and raised in Troy, Kay was the daughter of the late Joseph F. and Helen Ibbott Kelly.  She was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and Russell Sage College, and earned a Master’s degree from UAlbany.  She lived her adult life in Albany, where she was employed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, retiring in 1994.  Her retirement years were the happiest of her life.  She had a wide variety of interests, and found her greatest fulfillment in writing, mostly fan fiction and personal essays.  Her writing, posted online under the pen name Wilusa, can be read free of charge: fan fiction at the Archive of Our Own (archiveofourown,org); essays at FictionPress (fictionpress.com).   Her works at the Archive of Our Own can also be downloaded free of charge. Kay was not a member of any religion.  She described herself as an agnostic and non-theist, who had become certain of the truth of reincarnation.  Some of her essays deal with her beliefs.

Kay had one sister, the late Helen K. Wright MacPherson.  Survivors are a nephew Edward F. (Ann) Wright, Jr. of Central Square, a grandnephew Eric S. Wright of Syracuse, and a grandniece Stephanie (Michael) Riesbeck of North Syracuse.  In accordance with Kay’s wishes, there will be no funeral or calling hours.  Interment will be with her parents and sister in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy, at the convenience of the family.  The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Albany for their wonderful care of Kay during her illness.