Much loved mother, wife, sister and daughter, Kelly died at home December 5, 2020 after a two year battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Don Bland, daughter Alexandra, stepdaughter Emily, her siblings Catherine Woods and Michael Woods, parents John and Carol Woods and her many nieces and nephews. Kelly was born in Toronto in 1959 but moved to Victoria when she was a young girl and never left, having found her favourite place on earth. Before her illness, Kelly practiced family and estate law at Crease Harman and Company where she was a compassionate and effective advocate for clients going through difficult circumstances. Kelly suffered her own tribulations with great courage and grace. Kelly loved her family and her home in Oak Bay where she and Don raised their wonderful daughters of whom she was so proud. Kelly was a long term and committed volunteer for the Salvation Army https://salvationarmy.ca/ and we know that in lieu of flowers she would have wanted a donation in her name to them to aid their efforts in helping the infirm and disadvantaged.
No service by request.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
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Cori-Lee Fisher I was so surprised and saddened to see this news. It has been more than 25 years since I’ve talked with Kelly but I’ve never forgotten her. She helped me through a difficult divorce and was the consummate professional at all times. But that is not what I remember her for. Kelly helped me regain, over the months we worked together, my sense of self-worth by treating me always with respect, compassion, fairness… no matter the circumstances. I knew then, and have retained all these years, an awareness of Kelly as a very special person, and I have always felt fortunate that she was part of my life, however briefly. This is such a sad and difficult time for all family and friends who are dealing with the loss of this dear person – please accept my most heartfelt condolences to you all.
Cori-Lee Fisher
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Alan Bodie We knew Kelly for barely six months, through our dogs, but immediately recognized her fierce intelligence, kindness, and terrific wit. She was someone both of us really wanted to get to know better, and are greatly saddened by her much too early passing.
Sincere condolences to all her family members, and her canine companion Alfie.
Alan and Carol Bodie
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Brent and Hedy Thompson Our deepest condolences to our neighbour Don, Alexandra, Emily and all Kelly’s family at their great loss.
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Linda Doctoroff I am very sorry to learn that Kelly has passed away. My thoughts are with her partner, daughter and rest of her family.
I met Kelly 17 years ago when she acted as my lawyer after my separation. She was amazing! Her compassion and intelligence made all the difference in my life then, and to this day.
I hope her memory will be a blessing to her family.
Sincerely,
Linda Doctoroff
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Carol McClintock So sorry to learn of Kelly’s passing. She was a lovely person.
Sincere condolences.
Jack & Carol McClintock
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Angela and Doug Oakley We offer our sincere condolences to Don and family. We got to know Kelly when they would walk by our home on Monterey. I worked with Don and his brother, Jim. Our daughter, Dana worked with Kelly in her office. You are in our thoughts. Doug and Angela Oakley
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Norm & Norma Truswell Emily, Don and family – Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Kelly. Our thoughts are with you all.
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Mark Albrecht Don & family, I would like to express my sincere condolences. I was so sorry to learn of Kelly’s passing. She once represented me in a family matter & was a consummate professional. A great person taken too soon. May she rest in peace.
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Brenda Griffin My deepest condolences to Don and his family.
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Wilma Sayer To Kelly’s family and friends
I worked with Kelly for approx 7 years at Crease Harman & Co. I have fond memories of her…..she was a dynamo with her sharp wit, intellect and humour. A lawyer extraordinaire. I’d like to share this quote that I think describes her so perfectly……”she was a flamboyant streak of lightning that lit up the landscape, and she didn’t stint on the thunder!”
Rest In Peace Kelly, you’ve earned it.
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Janice Saxby My heartfelt thoughts to Kelly’s family. I knew Kelly over the years when I worked at the Victoria Law Courts. She was always present, sincere, and so passionate about life. I enjoyed our chats and her energy. May she Rest In Peace and may your fond memories help you through this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
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Sue Goldsack Kelly was a woman who helped me through one of the hardest times of my life. She was caring, compassionate and so knowledgeable. Her cycling with her hair flying out behind her was a image that has given me such a wonderful remembrance of her. She was so proud of her family. My heart goes out to her husband and her daughters.
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Martha McNeely My deepest condolences to Don and the family.
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Dianne Gail Andiel Kelly was a great litigator and a worthy opponent but what I will remember best about her was her great laugh and smile. She was fun to be around! My condolences to her husband and family
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Rick Anthony Don, I’m so sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. I only met her a few times when she helped me with some estate planning a number of years ago, but she was delightful to deal with and such an amazing professional! My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Rick Anthony
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Gillian Colville Condolences to Don and family. Thinking about all of you at this sad time. Gillian and David
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Elise Schopper-Brigel Our sincerest condolences to the family at their immeasurable loss. Kelly was a most esteemed colleague and friend who will be hugely missed for her great compassion, warmth, humor, intellect and grace.
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Mandy, Tim and Molly-Raine Dale Our deepest condolences. Such a tragic loss. Sending comfort, light and love.
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Brian Bland Our sincere condolences to Don and family and the Woods family.
Brian, Cheryl and family.
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Michael Fleisher Kelly and I were close friends in law school yet though time and distance we lost consistent touch these last 10 years.
Kelly is intelligent, funny, quick witted, romantic and genuinely kind. Add to that gorgeous. She was drawn immediately to Jane Oliver’s voice which shows one the true romantic and optimist in her. I will always remember her cycling to school while perfectly turned out, in fact radiant. She probably would have won the best dressed award at law school if in fact there was such an award.
I send my condolences to her family for this tremendous loss.
I was very saddened to learn of Kelly Woods’ passing. Kelly was my Mom and Dad’s estate planning attorney and since I was their POA, I also knew Kelly. My Dad and I were saddened to hear Kelly was in a bicycle accident a number of years ago, which caused her to retire from her law practice. I am currently in Victoria because my Dad just passed away and I just found out Kelly passed away several months ago. What a sad loss to everyone who knew her. My heart goes out, especially to her family.
Kathryn Freistadt