Trot Insider has learned that Standardbred Canada member Colleen Florence Kelly passed away on Thursday, May 24 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 48

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Born in New Waterford on January 29, 1964, she was the daughter of Hartigan and Georgina (O’Brien) Campbell. Colleen was brought up in a family of harness racing and through her love of the sport, she found the love of her life, trainer/driver David “Crocker” Kelly. Together they raised their two boys, owner/trainer/driver David (Vanessa) and Colin, who she lived everyday for. Colleen was a dedicated familywoman who cherished everyone. Her love for her parents and siblings was unconditional and she got pure enjoyment from her special nieces and nephews Talyor, Colton, Ryan and Tyler.

She began her working career as a travel agent for Maritime Travel, then moved to Sobeys in Sydney, where for 17 years she worked in the bulk section and the bakery, where her true talents of baking and cake decorating were put to use. Once the store closed, Colleen began working for HP until she became ill. For the last 18 months Colleen battled a rare lung disease. With sheer determination and a strong will, she fought until the end. Being on the waiting list for a transplant, it was important to Colleen to become an organ donor herself so others could benefit from her life and vitality.

Colleen will be sorrowfully missed by her best friend and husband of 24 years, sons, parents, father-in-law, Hank Kelly; her siblings Mabel, Donnie, Bobby (Cathy), and Darlene (Roddy); brothers-in-law Robert (Cheryl), Brian (Beth); sisters-in-law Aileen (Dave) and Sharon (Dave) and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her nephew Blake and nieces Michelle, Alyssa; Aunts Flossie, Theresa; Uncles John Alex and Ewen

Cremation has taken place and visitation will be on Monday, May 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave, New Waterford, 862-7500 and a funeral mass to celebrate Colleen’s life will be on Tuesday, May 29 at 10 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Leonard, Mount Carmel Ave. with Father Ray Huntley officiating and interment in Mount Carmel Cemetery. A reception to follow at the K.O.C. Plummer Ave. Donations in memory of Colleen can be made to the Children`s Wish Foundation or the Canadian Lung Asssociation. Online condolences can be sent to the family at: www.mclellanfuneralhome.com.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Colleen Kelly.