Sheila J. Kelly, 66, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on March 17, 2025.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A Funeral Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with Deacon Bill Biver officiating.

Sheila was born on August 17, 1958 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of William J. and Bridget C. (McCarron) Kelly II. She attended the University of Northern Iowa. She worked in the health care industry.

Sheila was a woman who spoke her mind with clarity and conviction. She had a deep love for children and animals, especially dogs, and was fiercely devoted to standing up for the “underdog.” Tenacious and passionate, she always fought for what she believed was right. Sheila embraced life to the fullest, expressing her creativity through art and finding joy in gardening.

Sheila is survived by her siblings William J. (Candy) Kelly III, Bridget C. (Leo) Heim, Michaela Kelly, Maureen S. Kelly, Shawn P. (Paula) Kelly, and Daniel T. (Cory) Kelly, brother-in-law Fred Hoffer, MD, and significant other Mark Fox.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Kathleen A. Kelly, MD.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Association or the Humane Society in Sheila’s memory.

The family would like to thank all of the friends and family that supported and loved Sheila throughout her life, especially her significant other of 49 years, Mark Fox.