Kelly McClay, 66, passed peacefully on June 1, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Born March 3, 1959, in Huntsville Alabama, Kelly, the beloved daughter of LeRoy McClay and the late Judy McClay, was a member of the 1977 graduating class of Hunstville High. Kelly was a die hard Auburn football fan, a love which began during her time attending Auburn University and remained throughout her lifetime, Go Tigers!
A travel agent, and avid traveler herself, Kelly landed in San Francisco in 1982, adopting both the San Francisco Giants and 49ers as her home teams. Attending and cheering at their games was a favorite past time of her and her husband Joe, whom she met in the early 1990’s. After her time as a travel agent and manager, Kelly moved into the private sector as a Facility Director for a large PR firm. She celebrated her retirement March 31, 2024.
Kelly traveled the world, sometimes alone, sometimes with close friends and most favorably with her soulmate Joe. But Kelly didn’t just land in places, she lived in them. Swinging through the jungles of Brazil, camping on the desert plains of the Sahara and dancing in the streets of New Orleans, Kelly embraced the joy of experience and a life lived. An incredible cook, Kelly had a love of fine wines and great food, never to be denied a square from Liguria Bakery and a shared IPA.
To know Kelly was to move with her. She was a lifelong athlete-swimming, cycling, paddle boarding, hiking, working out, and golfing with endless enthusiasm. Her energy was contagious and her smile everlasting. Shortly after meeting Joe, with whom she would build a life full of love, laughter and travel, Kelly became an honorary Italian and beloved member of the Asaro family.
Kelly lived her life so fully and with such love and joy, to try to capture her in a few paragraphs seems nearly impossible. She was the face you looked for in a crowd, the person you shared your first drink with at a party, the seat you clamored to sit next to at Christmas dinner. She lived life in a way few could even dream of, and she did it with such grace and beauty. “Gone too soon” feels woefully inadequate to describe her loss. Even though the world is a little less bright now that she’s gone, all the lives she’s touched will carry some of that grace and light with them forever, no doubt as a gift from Kelly.
Kelly is survived by her beloved husband, Joe; her father, LeRoy; sister, Kimberly; dearest friends, Mary Cronin and Teresa Packard; as well as many friends and extended family who will miss her deeply.
Services are to be announced.
