Kelly Joanne Galloway
July 30, 1997 - May 28, 2022
Kelly Joanne Galloway a/k/a Kelly Jo, Smiley Jo, Sparkly Jo, KelBel, KelBelDancerSparkles, passed on May 28, 2022, after attending a music festival in Buena Vista Lakes, California. Kelly spent her last day doing what she loved the most – listening to music, dancing all day, laughing, spending time with people she loved, and making those around her just a little bit happier.
Kelly was born on July 30, 1997, at Rose Hospital in Denver, Colorado. She grew up in Lone Tree, Colorado before attending the University of Colorado – Boulder where she impacted numerous lives and received a Bachelor of Science in Advertising with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the College of Media, Communication & Information (CMCI). During her time at C.U., Kelly had a lot going on. She:
• Worked as the campaign manager and came up with the branding for the victorious Empower campaign;
• Worked as Chief of Staff for CU student government;
• Was a member of the CMCI Diversity & Inclusion board;
• Was a member of the National Student Advertising Competition;
• Trained and became a certified counselor – volunteering over 200 hours to the Crisis Text Line;
• Spent over 200 hours to become a certified yoga instructor and an additional 50 hours in advanced yoga training;
• Volunteered at the Bridge House assisting homeless people;
• Worked a summer at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation running a children’s program – this is where RE-MEMBER became one of her favorite charities; and
• Prior to her time at C.U., she was a member of the varsity dance team and coached disabled athletes in unified sports.
In February 2020, Kelly packed up her car along with her bunny Bo and drove to California to start a job in advertising for the firm Fleischman – Hillard. Of course, Kelly did not go from point A to point B on her journey to California … she and Bo stopped at many places, including the 4 corners, the Grand Canyon, and Moab along the way. Like always, Kelly always wanted a journey, an experience, and an adventure. She was a free spirit who colored her life, and the lives of others, outside the lines.
Within a few weeks of arriving in California, the pandemic hit … Kelly’s job with Fleischman was not extended … but she still formed relationships during that brief time. On her way out, the security guard hugged Kelly and told her that the firm “always let the nice ones go.” This made perfect sense, as Kelly treated everyone with respect, kindness, and dignity. The security guard at her office was just as important to her as the CEO. The wait staff meant as much to her as any restaurant owner. Kelly formed relationships with all she met, and she looked for the good in everyone. Kelly exuded kindness and generosity in all aspects of her life.
For a year and a half, Kelly went on a journey of self-discovery. She read anything and everything. She consulted in social media, design, event planning, promotion & publicity. She did freelance counseling for people with autism and social disorders to help them cope with the pandemic. She launched “@With.Kelly” as a personal project of branding, graphic design, video editing and production, and website design. She met and developed loving friendships with numerous people in California including a group of people who cherished music and dancing as much as she did. She grew spiritually and emotionally. She improved her mind and her body. And she went on many adventures, including driving the coast of California on her own up to Seattle and back where she was awed by the power of the redwoods and the beauty of the journey.
In 2022, Kelly was hired by Impact24 as a publicist for a public relations firm. She was thrilled to work for Impact24 – a socially conscious entertainment public relations firm that seeks to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion gaps in the entertainment industry through communication, content creations and promotions. Kelly quickly became an important part of the team where she loved working with and for creative people like herself. Kelly felt appreciated and valued by the people at Impact 24.
Kelly valued collaboration, participation, diversity, and respect. She enjoyed crystals, skiing, photography, videography, creating content, dancing, music, going to the Farmer’s Market, Tarot cards, Horoscopes, and helping others. She lived her life as a true beacon of goodness. She loved people, God, the sun, the moon, and everything in between. She carried a card in a transparent backpack to all music events that read “If you need a hug, a high five, gum or a friend, I’m here for you! Have a wonderful and safe weekend. You are so loved. ILYSM (I love you so much) - @with.kelly.”
Kelly is survived by her enormous family, thousands upon thousands of people who loved her, and her bunny Bo. This rock we live on lost a good one, but her spirit will be with us forever. Be good to each other. ILYSM Kelly.
Donations
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation - Re-Member
*An endowed scholarship in Kelly's name is being set up. Details to follow.
Memorial Service
June 24, 2022
10 AM
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater
1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock, CO 80109
Reception immediately following
No black attire permitted - Colors only. Kelly wanted her Celebration of Life to look like a field of flowers.
Kelly’s Playlist
Photo Gallery
