Kelly Jeanne Williams

Kelly Jeanne Williams, 66, of Shoreline, WA, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Swedish Edmonds Hospital. Kelly had been fighting cancer for the last few years—a battle she faced with extraordinary courage, grace, and unwavering strength. She was surrounded by the love, presence, and prayers of her family and dearest friends until the very end.

Born in Seattle on October 24, 1959, Kelly was the daughter of Karla Wight and the late Richard Williams. She graduated with honors from ITT Peterson School of Business and developed a love for writing poetry as a teenager. An avid reader and lover of stories in all forms, Kelly delighted in sharing her favorite books, TV shows, and movies with friends and family, sparking conversation, laughter, and thoughtful discussion. She served proudly for 27 years with the King County Board of Equalization and Appeals before retiring for medical reasons.

Kelly cherished her time at the beach in Ocean Shores, where she was surrounded by friends and loved ones. The ocean was her place of peace and joy. She especially loved the travel trailer she and her husband, Nelson, picked out together—creating countless memories by the shore, sharing sunsets, laughter, and the simple comfort of being together.

Kelly is survived by her devoted husband, Nelson S. Tardie, with whom she shared 33 years and nearly 25 years of marriage, and by her loving son, Nelson C. Tardie. She is also survived by her mother, Karla; her sister, Lael; Lael’s children, Aidan and Eliot; her stepmother, Geri; her stepsister, Andrea; and Andrea’s sons, Jacob and Zack.

The love within Kelly’s heart knew no bounds, and anyone fortunate enough to spend time with her felt that deeply. Even as her own health was in jeopardy, her compassion for others never wavered; she continued to care deeply for the people around her, always putting their needs before her own with a gentleness and generosity that defined her spirit. The world lost a bright, compassionate, and gracious light on Friday—a wonderful mother, a stunning woman, a loving wife, and a truly magnificent human being. Kelly’s laughter, her curiosity, and the joy she found in stories and in the people she loved will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. We love you, Mom, and your light will guide us always.

We will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Kelly this spring in our backyard, a place she loved dearly, where friends and family can gather to honor her memory, share stories, and celebrate the joy she brought into all of our lives.