Kelly Diane Anfuso

Above all things, Kelly Anfuso was a wonderful daughter, mother, and grandmother that received her energy and purpose in caring for others. A dedicated daughter, she loved her parents Duane and Patricia (“Patty”) so much and took such great care of them as they got older. She spoke to her mother Patty nearly every day until her passing in 2021. Upon having her own children (Camryn, Chantelle, and Tony), she dedicated her life to their success and happiness. Everyone who knew her knew how proud she was of each of her children. She was overjoyed to expand her family when Chantelle and Tony found their perfect matches, Jon and Mary Frances respectively. For the last 5 years, her grandchildren (Vinnie, Lukey, Sammy, and Connor) were her entire world. As their “Nona”, she took every opportunity to spend time with them and bragged on the unique personalities and talents of each to anyone who would listen.

Although she had no siblings, Kelly expanded her family through her friendship with Mimi Cloud. Mimi was Kelly’s “partner in crime” and best friend for her entire adult life. Mimi and her son Jake became a part of Kelly’s family. She loved taking vacations with them over the past 25 years.

Kelly’s compassionate nature extended beyond her family. She was quick to help others in need, and was giving of her time, money, or whatever else might be asked of her. She helped not only her neighbors and friends, but complete strangers she met on the street. She was also an avid animal lover. She rescued countless cats and dogs over her life, with Neenee and Twix holding special places in her heart. Even feral cats seemed to sense that if they showed up at her door, she would feed them indefinitely. Kelly even helped people through her occupation. She sold health insurance for over 35 years and was an incredible advocate for her clients, helping them receive the medical care they needed. Her clients greatly appreciated her willingness to go above and beyond to help them, with many becoming good friends over the years. Her children will be forever grateful for how hard she worked as a single mother to give them a wonderful childhood. She was an exceptionally smart and determined woman.

Kelly also loved to have fun. She loved vacationing with her family, especially going on cruises. She was never afraid to be a bit outrageous for a laugh, even if (or maybe especially if) it meant embarrassing one of her kids in public. She would dress up, be silly, or make a scene if she thought it would entertain those around her. She also loved scrapbooking, eating good food, playing card and board games, and watching movies with her cats curled up next to her on the couch. Hopefully she is now playing pinochle with Patty, Duane, and “Big Tony” just like the old days.

It is hard to put into words how much Kelly will be missed. She had a big personality and left an enduring mark on everyone she knew. For Kelly, her family was everything. Her family’s lasting promise to her is to continue to remain close and take care of one another for the rest of their lives. Maybe together, their hearts can be as big as hers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter in Kelly’s memory. http://www.cherokeega-animals.org/donate.html