Laurel Ann Kelly

Laurel Ann Kelly of Reston, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at age 77, surrounded by her sons Patrick, Brendon, and Kelly Cunningham.

Life and Legacy

Laurel was born on December 17, 1948, in Washington, DC, to James and Mary (née Soule) Kelly. She cherished her lifelong relationships with her six siblings: Marcy, James, Joan, David, Elizabeth, and John.

She attended Our Lady of Lourdes for grade school and The Academy of the Holy Cross for High School, and then began her most treasured role, and, her sons would say, her most challenging one: motherhood. After brief stays in Miami and Atlanta, Laurel settled in Reston, Virginia. When her sons were in grade school, she earned a B.S. in Psychology from George Mason University. She devoted decades of her career to non-profit work, including notable positions at the National Turkey Federation and The Lewinsville Retirement Residence in McLean, Virginia.

Laurel was an avid reader and found joy in British comedy television. She spent many summers at Lake Lure, North Carolina, and often spoke of them. Her greatest joy was having her family around her at the lake, especially her beloved grandchildren, who called her Mimi.

Her friends describe her as a great listener who always put others before herself.

Laurel is survived by her son, Patrick Cunningham, his partner, Kim, and their five children, Grace, Bailey, Shane, Avery, and Trent; her son, Brendon Cunningham, his wife, Amy, and their daughters, Olivia and Hannah; and her son, Kelly Cunningham, his wife, Shannon, and their children, Kearney and Caden. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved nephew, Michael Kelly.

Service Information

A small reception will be held on October 29, 2026 from 3pm-6pm at the Shenandoah Room inside the Ashby Ponds Senior Living Community. The Shenandoah room is on the second level of the Blue Ridge Club House, 44734 Audubon Sq, Ashburn, VA 20147. A funeral will take place later in Hendersonville, North Carolina for her family.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions or book donations be made to your local public library in honor of Laurel Kelly.