"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure . . . you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure." Michele A. Kelly, of Niagara Falls, died at home on Sunday, June 23, 2019.

Michele was born in Niagara Falls on May 23, 1955, the daughter of the late Joseph and Katherine (Portelese) Kelly. In 1974, she married her former husband, John D. Religa of Niagara Falls, NY in Saint Joseph's Church. Michele graduated from Madonna High School and later earned her degree in nursing from Niagara County Community College. Michele loved being a Registered Nurse and helping others, she had worked at Children's Hospital, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and at ECMC. Her compassionate and caring nature made becoming a nurse a foregone conclusion. She will be remembered by her colleagues for being a leading force sharing her skill and expertise.

Michele was proud of her Italian heritage and she was happiest when her family would gather to enjoy her cooking, especially her homemade sauce and meatballs. A talented baker, she cherished her family recipes and was known for her fragunis, birthday cakes, famous green dessert and Easter Bread. Her attention to detail made her an amazing party planner. She loved to stay informed on current events and enjoyed reading, watching her morning talk shows and politics. She was never afraid to ruffle feathers and ask the tough questions with her unique humor. She was a strong-minded woman who was committed and passionate about what she believed in.

Her life was her family and she never stopped thinking about and praying for each of her children and grandchildren. She was lovingly known as "Roonie" to her family and friends and "Nani" to her grandchildren. She was a devout Catholic and found solace in attending weekly Mass at Saint Joseph's. She found comfort in being involved in the community and was always working to better herself and others. She was a supporter of the LGBTQ community and was always there to give sage advice to anyone in need; her home and heart were always open.

Michele will be deeply missed by her children, Michele Keiper and her husband, Kory, of Niagara Falls, Johnny Religa of Hermosa Beach, California and Marisa Religa of Revere Beach, Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Paige, Emily, Kylie and Kory; her siblings, Dr. Mark Kelly of Los Angeles, California and Liz Kelly, R.N. of Lewiston; her devoted friend Mikey Marino of Niagara Falls; her nieces and nephews, Angela, Mary and Lizzy Taibi and Shannon and Brendan Kelly. She was also the sister of the late Joey Kelly.

Family and friends will honor and remember Michele's life by gathering for visitation on Thursday, June 27th from 4 – 8 P.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin on Friday at 10:45 A.M., followed by Michele's Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 A.M in Holy Family Parish at Saint Joseph's Church, 1401 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.