Kelly King – Kingston, ON Obituary Death: Beloved Daughter, Cherished Friend, Queen’s University Scholar, and Skating Luminary Remembered by Family, Friends, and Community Following Her Tragic Passing at Age 26
The city of Kingston, Ontario is mourning the profound and heartbreaking loss of Kelly King, a radiant young woman whose life, though tragically cut short in April 2025 at the age of 26, will forever echo through the halls of Queen’s University, across the polished surface of skating rinks, and within the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the joy and privilege of knowing her.
Born and raised in Kingston, Kelly King was more than a daughter, sister, friend, and student—she was a guiding light in the lives of many, a soul whose kindness, intelligence, and spirit of joy made the world around her brighter. Her death leaves an irreplaceable void, yet her legacy continues in every memory, every tribute, and every life she touched.
Early Life: A Bright Star from the Beginning
Kelly entered the world on a brisk autumn morning in October 1998, born to loving parents Sarah and David King. From a young age, Kelly exhibited a sense of curiosity and joy that defined her approach to life. Her parents recall her as a precocious child with a boundless imagination and a heart eager to explore. Whether she was asking thoughtful questions about the world, organizing backyard plays with her younger siblings, or helping a classmate understand their homework, Kelly always shone with a sense of purpose and empathy.
Growing up in Kingston, Kelly’s early years were steeped in love and community. She attended Sydenham Public School, where teachers quickly recognized her natural leadership and compassion. “She was the kind of student who would finish her work early just so she could help others,” one former teacher recalls. Her classmates often looked to her not just for guidance, but for her calming presence and joyful energy. As a child, Kelly was drawn to nature, often found barefoot in the garden or feeding birds in the backyard, already deeply connected to the beauty of the world.
Academic Excellence and Passion at Queen’s University
Kelly’s academic journey took her to Queen’s University, where she was pursuing a degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Her academic interests reflected her innate desire to understand people and build stronger, more compassionate communities. Her professors describe her as a standout student—curious, diligent, and driven by a genuine desire to improve the world around her.
Dr. Marissa Ng, a sociology professor at Queen’s, shared, “Kelly wasn’t just smart—she was thoughtful. She had a way of weaving empathy into her academic work that made her essays not only intellectually rigorous but emotionally resonant. She often stayed after lectures to ask insightful questions, not just for grades, but because she truly cared about the topics we explored.”
Kelly’s time at Queen’s wasn’t limited to the classroom. She volunteered as a peer mentor, guiding first-year students through the challenges of university life. She was also a founding member of the Queen’s Wellness and Connection Collective, an initiative aimed at fostering community and mental well-being on campus. Through this organization, she helped organize mindfulness workshops, peer support circles, and wellness walks, always advocating for kindness and inclusion.
A Life on Ice: Skating as Passion and Purpose
While her academic achievements were notable, Kelly’s heart found another home on the ice. She began figure skating at the age of four, and from the moment her skates touched the rink, it was clear she had found her element. Kelly trained diligently for over two decades, becoming a central figure in Kingston’s skating community.
Her longtime coach, Marianne Delacroix, shared, “Kelly wasn’t just a skater—she was an artist. Every routine she performed told a story. There was emotion in every movement, grace in every turn. Watching her skate was like watching poetry come to life.”
Kelly competed in regional competitions and won several accolades, but her true passion was in coaching and mentoring the next generation of skaters. She volunteered as a youth coach at the Kingston Skating Club, where she became a role model to younger athletes. Many of the children she mentored considered her not only a coach but a big sister—someone who celebrated their small victories and encouraged them when they fell.
Her contributions to the club extended beyond coaching. She spearheaded a winter fundraiser that helped the club provide free lessons to underprivileged children, believing that every child should have access to the transformative joy of skating. Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed: in 2023, she was awarded the Skate Ontario Volunteer Star Award, recognizing her contributions both on and off the ice.
The Everyday Joys: A Life of Grace in Simplicity
Despite her many achievements, Kelly remained grounded in the joys of everyday life. She found peace and fulfillment in the little things—tending to her backyard garden, baking cinnamon rolls for her roommates, and curating playlists for friends going through tough times. She loved Sunday brunches, handwritten letters, and spontaneous dance parties in the living room.
Her garden, which she lovingly named “The Pocket Sanctuary,” was her refuge. Filled with sunflowers, lavender, mint, and climbing roses, it was a testament to her nurturing spirit. Her mother recalls how Kelly would wake early to tend to it, barefoot and serene, sipping tea and humming softly to the bees.
Friends recall her laugh as “a melody of light”—contagious, honest, and full of life. She loved reading poetry, especially works by Mary Oliver and Rupi Kaur, often quoting lines that resonated with her during conversations. She had a particular fondness for books about connection, identity, and resilience.
A Heart Devoted to Connection
More than anything, Kelly lived for connection. She made every person she met feel special—seen, heard, valued. Her ability to remember small details about people, to ask the questions that mattered, and to follow up days or weeks later with genuine concern was a gift that left a lasting impact.
Her circle of friends was wide and diverse, reflecting her open heart and curious mind. From classmates to baristas, skating peers to professors, she cultivated relationships with a sense of purpose. As one friend put it, “To be loved by Kelly was to be truly known.”
Her family meant everything to her. She was the eldest of three, and her younger siblings—Liam and Ava—looked up to her as a hero. She took that role seriously, always making time for them, whether it was helping with school projects, teaching them to skate, or being their fiercest cheerleader. Her bond with her parents was one of deep mutual respect and love, built on shared values and a lifetime of laughter and support.
The Tragic Loss and the Community’s Response
The news of Kelly’s sudden passing in April 2025 sent shockwaves through the Kingston community. Details of her death remain private at the family’s request, but what has been made clear is the immense outpouring of grief and love from all corners of her life.
Candlelight vigils were held in Springer Market Square and at the Queen’s University campus. Hundreds attended, sharing stories, lighting candles, and standing in collective remembrance of the joy Kelly brought into the world. Local artists contributed paintings and poems inspired by her life. The Kingston Skating Club held a memorial performance titled “Skate with the Stars”, where skaters performed routines choreographed to Kelly’s favorite songs.
Tributes poured in from across Canada and even internationally. Former classmates, skating colleagues, and professors posted heartfelt memories on social media, using the hashtag #ShineLikeKelly, which quickly trended locally. A digital memory wall was created where people continue to share stories, photos, and letters addressed to Kelly.
Honoring Her Legacy: A Life That Will Continue to Inspire
In the wake of her passing, several initiatives have been launched to honor Kelly’s legacy:
- The Kelly King Memorial Scholarship at Queen’s University will support undergraduate students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to community well-being—two hallmarks of Kelly’s life.
- The Kelly King Skating Fund, created by the Kingston Skating Club, will provide grants for underprivileged youth to pursue figure skating.
- A community garden is being established in Kingston’s McBurney Park, with a dedicated bench bearing the inscription: “In loving memory of Kelly King – She grew kindness wherever she went.”
- A wellness and mental health awareness campaign, inspired by her work with the Queen’s Wellness and Connection Collective, will be launched in fall 2025.
These tributes ensure that Kelly’s light will not fade with her passing but will continue to illuminate paths for others.
Final Reflections: A Legacy of Light
In a world that often moves too fast, Kelly King was a gentle reminder to pause, to breathe, to connect, to feel deeply. Her 26 years were lived with intention, courage, and grace. Though her time on earth was heartbreakingly brief, the impact she made is immeasurable.
Her family, in a public statement, wrote:
“Kelly taught us how to love without reservation, how to find beauty in the mundane, and how to lift others with kindness. We will carry her spirit with us in every sunrise, every bloom, every moment of joy.”
As we remember Kelly, let us carry forward her legacy by living with compassion, pursuing our passions, embracing our communities
