Age 52 years, having resided in Chicago, IL., earned her eternal wings, suddenly and unexpectedly on January 12, 2021 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago. Vera was born on June 10, 1968. Following a long and arduous battle with Leukemia since her original diagnosis in 2016, her subsequent Stem Cell Transplant in 2017, our beloved Vera eventually succumbed and Covid-19 won. She has joined her mom, who also was deceased at age 52 in her heavenly home. Vera was born on June 10, 1968 , the youngest "the baby" of six children, born to Annie (nee O'Grady) and Patrick Kelly, in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. Vera was a butterfly, well-travelled, landed in one place but did not always stay. However, one thing can be said, she always left an indelible mark. Like so many, she lived in Ireland after High School, then spent some time in London and later settled here in Chicago. Vera attended Bofeenaun National School, later the Convent of Jesus and Mary – Gortnor Abbey in County Mayo, Ireland and Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills. She was a loyal and committed employee as an Executive Administrative Assistant in Chicago. Vera's overriding passion was her love for and natural talent as an actress. Her stage presence was nothing short of spectacular. She was so proud of her achievements on stage and blossomed every time a new play or challenge presented on the theatrical horizon. Her crowning glory was being presented at the Acting Irish International Theatre Festival in 2014 for "Outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role" in the play "The Butterfly of Killybegs". She loved being part of the different drama groups, Gaelic football, and always carved out time to immerse herself in her Irish culture and heritage. Vera is survived by her father Patrick Kelly, (92) of Ireland. Her two brothers Joseph Kelly and Martin Kelly both of London and her three sisters Mary (Robert) Kivlehan-Peel of Hickory Hills, Illinois, Margaret (Michael) McDowell of Crest Hill, Illinois and Ann Kelly of Ireland. Her nieces and nephews, Joseph Kelly of Ireland, Martin Kelly of London, Daena Kelly of Scotland, Sean Kivlehan of Washington, Brendan Kivelhan and Ciara Kivlehan both of Hickory Hills, Connor McDowell and Niamh McDowell both of Crest Hill. The family of Vera, wish to extend grateful thanks to all the staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for the extraordinary care and attention rendered to her over the last, almost five years. Their care which has been second to none, delivered with dignity and respect, support, tireless efforts and overall kindness will never be forgotten. A special acknowledgement to Dr. Kehinde Adekola, Transplant surgeon and all round miracle worker and wonderful human being. A Memorial Mass and celebration will be held at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2500 Arbeiter Road, Joliet, IL 60431, Friday, January 22nd at 11:00 A.M. Reminiscence hour will occur from 10:00 am to 11:00 am until Mass commences. Facial covering and social distancing protocol will be enacted. Fr. Karl Langsdorf, a personal friend of Vera's will be the officiant for services. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.donate.lls.org Vera's expressed wishes are to have her ashes scattered into the Atlantic Ocean from the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland. Those wishing to attend the memorial mass may contact Fr. Karl Langsdorf at (773) 501-7096 to reserve seating. Livestreaming of the memorial mass may be viewed on Friday at 11:00 A.M. CST at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/carlsonfuneralhome2320/