Anita Kay Kelly

Anita Kay, passed away at age 49 due to an unexpected medical emergency in Lawrence, MI on July 30, 2025. Anita was surrounded by her loved ones at her side. She was a devoted and loving mother to her four daughters. Anita was born in Joliet, IL on September 9, 1975 to parents Joseph Jaskowiak and Sammie Pacilli.

Anita is survived by her daughters, Sammie Jaskowiak, Sharday Brown, Serenity Kelly and Kathryn Lemond. She was so proud to be their Mama and additionally to be called Nene by her two grandsons, Joel and Colton. They truly were her pride and joy.

Anita is preceded in death by grandparents, Joseph and Kathleen Jaskowiak and Barney and Willene Staggs. She is survived by her parents, Joseph (Karen) Jaskowiak and Sammie Pacilli along with siblings, Alicia Corrao, Joe (Marci) Jaskowiak, James (Becky) Jaskowiak and Kaytie Jaskowiak. Not to mention countless aunties, uncles and a whole lot of cousins.

Anita attended St.Charles High School and graduated in the class of 1993 and upon graduating went on to Elgin Community College where she obtained her CNA certificate. Anita thrived in the role as a CNA and had a natural ability to care for her patients with such an amazing bedside manner as a caretaker. This carried into later years when she cared for her maternal grandmother Willene Staggs with the utmost care, tenderness and grace that will never be forgotten.

Anita mostly enjoyed spending time with her daughters and just being Nene playing with her grandsons. In her downtime she enjoyed Lifetime movies, and her favorite show was Law and Order SVU. While she loved her favorite boyband back in the day, New Kids on the Block and let’s not forget Bon Jovi and the likes of Def Leppard but most recently enjoyed Usher and one of her favorite songs was Mama said Knock You Out by LL Cool J. Anita knew her way around the kitchen and could whip up some delicious eggrolls, but a family favorite was probably biscuits and gravy that she perfected from her late Grandma Staggs. Anita definitely had the gift of gab (IFYKYK) you had to be prepared to be on the phone for a hot second when she was calling. The family could count on her to spill the tea and be in the know, so to speak.

Anita will always be remembered as a kind, giving, caring and loving soul who left her family and friends way too soon. Anita had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh with her family and friends. Anita had dealt with some issues but she was definitely a fighter and never gave up despite what came her way medically. She was always there for her girls with unconditional love and support. Anita was so proud of her daughters and the path they were on. The girls will continue to gather strength from their Mama and will go far with her by their side in spirit and will strive to make their Mama proud.

Anita will be dearly missed. It’s not goodbye, it's til we meet again.