Kelly Anna Nolan Shafer
June 12, 2024
Kelly Anna Nolan passed away on June 12 at Kline Galland Home. The love, prayers and presence of friends and family surrounded Kelly at all times in her final weeks, and she died peacefully in her sleep with family and friend at her side. Kelly was unexpectedly struck by an aggressive, inoperable brain cancer, and survived just one month after her diagnosis in May.
Kelly was born on July 30, 1960, to Lt. Daniel Nolan Jr. and Jacqueline Zadra. She was the eldest of 7 children and lived in Seattle on Queen Anne Hill for the greater part of her life. Kelly attended St. Anne Grade School, Queen Anne High School, and earned her degree from Evergreen State College. Highlights of her professional life include employment with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and YouthCare. Kelly was an active member of St. Anne Parish, serving on many committees. Kellys love and generosity touched countless souls. She chaired the Italian Dinner and introduced Seder services to parishioners with her husband Steve. She was an accomplished host, and delighted family and friends with celebrations in the Shafer home. Kelly filled the room, and the world, with love and light.
Kelly is survived by her husband Steve, their twin daughters Helen and Olivia, whose graduations from college Kelly was able to attend in person or virtually, their dog Mick Jagger, siblings Colleen, Pat (Roberta) and Katie, step mother Sharon, beloved aunts & uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and three honorary families; the D’Amelios, Overstreets, and “The Gang.”
Kelly is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Daniel, Jeffery and Steven. A Rosary will be held at St Annes Church in Seattle on Friday June 21 at 7:00pm, and Kelly’s funeral will be held at St. Anne Church on Saturday June 22 at 10:00am with a reception following in Banchero Hall. Donations in her honor may be made to YouthCare, www.youthcare.org.