Pola Ann Kelley, 72, of Sedro-Woolley, born to Cecil Moore Kelley and Wanda Mary (Janicki) Kelley, passed away on December 17, 2022 with family at her side after a week of love and hugs from SW Rotary, the City of SW, and the SW Chamber of Commerce.
She is survived by her children: Trish (Craig) Holmgren, Bridget (Jerome) Heffele, Merek (MeLissa) Budinich; her grandchildren: Rochelle (Trent) Holmgren, Kyler (Kristal) Holmgren, Jadyn Holmgren, MeLayna Budinich, Martin Heffele, Anieca Heffele, and MaKarra Budinich; her great-grandchildren: Gwendolyn Stuart, Sienna Stuart, Anson Holmgren, and Gemma Holmgren; two brothers, Ray (Bonnie) and Tim, sisters-in-law, Judy and Judith; her nieces and nephews: Tina (Tom) Shields, Stephanie (Mike) Ruff, Collette Adams, Danielle Porter, Orion (Joy) Chilcote, Kai (Chinook) Farrar, Rafe (Beth) Kelley, Bliss (Renske) Kelley, Kumara (Chris) Kelley; an abundance of beloved Janicki and Kelley cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Nancy, Wanda Mary and Joyce; her dog Smudgie.
She graduated from SWHS in 1968 and from Gonzaga University in 1990.
Pola loved life and people. Most in the community will remember her as an insurance agent and the executive director of the SW Chamber of Commerce, or 1967 Loggerrodeo Princess. She was a fierce advocate for her small town of Sedro-Woolley and enjoyed many roles in supporting quality of life for businesses and citizens of the community. She spent time on the SW Rotary International, SW City Council, Peace Health Board, the SW Boys and Girls Club advocate, SW CTE Advisory Council, and the League of Women Voters.
Her hobbies included art, photography, reading, playing games, genealogy, traveling, and voting. She enjoyed her adventures to Australia, Taiwan, and China and her many trips to Iowa to watch her granddaughter’s dance.
A celebration of life gathering for family and friends is scheduled for July 25, 2023 at Eagle Haven Winery. Her final cremation care is provided by Lemley Chapel of Sedro-Woolley; please share your memories of Pola and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, SW Rotary, or the Helping Hands Food Bank and give Pola Bear hugs to family and community alike.
Share your memories of Pola and sign the online guest register.
Pola was no nonsense. She knew what was best for Sedro Woolley. I appreciated that she had the confidence in me to share her struggles as chamber director.
I met Pola when I walked into her office one day to change my auto insurance. She was so kind, helpful & Cheerful. I really liked her. RIP Pola. God Bless.
Robyn and I send our sympathies and condolences to Pola’s family, coworkers and many friends. We worked closely with Pola for many years on Sedro-Woolley’s annual Woofest event. Pola was an advocate for her community, strong supporter of education particularly Career and Technical education where she served many years on the Sedro-Woolley High School CTE Advisory board. RIP Pola.
Love you. Miss you. Be at Peace with Smudgie, your parents, and your sisters!