Inspired Journeys

Obituaries

Hilary Louise Kelly

3/31/1991 – 7/21/2026

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Obituary For Hilary Louise Kelly

Hilary Louise Kelly passed away peacefully in her Minneapolis home on July 21st, 2026. Hilary learned a deep love for nature, motorcycles, and adventure growing up on her family’s farm in St. Charles, MN.

Hilary earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Mankato State University, took a break to become an AmeriCorps volunteer, then continued her education and earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

In an act of bravery, Hilary lovingly embraced her inoperable brain tumor in June of 2020, naming her Frida and was determined not to let her diagnosis define her.

Flourishing as a city-girl, Hilary served her community as a school social worker at Stonebridge World School, then transitioned to a career as a child and family therapist through Ellie Mental Health.

Hilary walked with Frida into and out of many tests, scans, and treatments, always always sharing appreciation with any nurse, doctor, or custodian helping her.

Hilary will be remembered for her impeccable style, gorgeous hair, kind heart, and feisty but fiercely loving mind.

Hilary was preceded in death by her mother, Kimberly Arlene Kelly. She is survived by her partner, Will Carson; her father, Shawn Edward (Jeannie) Kelly; her sisters, Heather Hughes and Holly (Greg) Benke; her niece and nephews, Lynnea, Harrison, and Calvin; and countless beloved friends.

Memorial gifts in honor of Hilary’s life should be directed to Girls on the Run Minnesota or MN Adult and Teen Challenge.

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Condolences

  • 07/24/2026

    Janice Aziz

    Feeling incredibly blessed to have known Hilary. Her smile and loving hugs to let you know things will be ok, were ever present at Stonebridge. I was a teacher when I met Hilary. The students loved her, and her office was always busy. The support she gave struggling parents, students and teachers was something that was never to be duplicated again at the school. She touched so many lives. I hope you’re forever dancing in your Red Wing boots ❤️.

  • 07/24/2026

    Kestrel Feiner-Homer

    Hilary- Thank you for having room in your heart for all of us… the squirrely second grader who kept getting into fist fights, the disgruntled parent cussing out the front desk person, your therapy clients, your coworkers and your beloved friends and family. Thank you for teaching me about holding life’s contradictions in a gentle palm. Swollen feet and an epic road trip, tears about a bald spot from radiation and selfies with your fab new haircut, real words about the course of your illness and a big smile and new tattoo to honor Frida. So much love to you and your dear ones. We are all better for knowing you.

  • 07/24/2026

    Deborah Goschy

    Hilary and I both worked for AmeriCorps/LEAP Initiative in Southern Minnesota. What I remember most about her is her empathy. At one of our team meetings, I told the group about the struggles I was having at my site; it was having a difficult term of service. After I told my story, she said “That hurts my heart.” I will never forget her kindness.

  • 07/24/2026

    lisa

    Rest in peace, Hilary. Thank you for all the care and support you gave me, and for wanting to be my friend. I wish so much that we could have shared that coffee we never got the chance to have.

  • 07/24/2026

    Deanna

    I worked with Hilary at Stonebridge. From our first conversation, I loved her. She is someone who put so much love and goodness out into the world. Anytime I picture her in my mind, she has that signature radiant smile and unique style. Through her final years with Frida, I was so happy to see that she found a partner in Will. In the end, it feels like she got back all the good karma she put out into the world. We are so lucky to have known a soul like hers. She will be so missed.

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