Antioch Animal services receives $106,000 legacy gift
From Nancy K. Kelly Trust
By Antioch Animal Services
Antioch Animal Services is deeply honored to have received a $106,000 legacy gift from the Nancy K. Kelly Trust, presented by Trustee Keith Farr and his wife on July 22, 2025. According to Acting Animal Services Manager Cat Cottle, the gift check was presented by Trustees Mr. and Mrs. Keith Farr. “They aren’t relatives, just very good friends of the decedent,” Cottle shared.
Nancy Kelly (March 31, 1944 – September 13, 2024) was a longtime Antioch resident whose life was rooted in service, civic engagement, and genuine care for others. She served her community in countless ways – as a Credit Union manager, Neighborhood Watch Captain, Antioch Garden Club member, and volunteer for numerous city and social causes. Wherever Nancy lived, she showed up, got involved, and made her community stronger.
Nancy was also a devoted cat lover. Thirteen years ago, she adopted a three-month-old tortoiseshell kitten named Velvet from Antioch Animal Services. That small act of love created a lifelong bond with the shelter – one that she carried with her long after moving to Placerville, where she continued her commitment to volunteering, civic involvement and friendship.
This extraordinary bequest reflects Nancy’s enduring thoughtfulness and her belief in giving back to the community she once called home. Her generosity will have a lasting impact on the animals in our care and the people who serve them.
We are profoundly grateful to the Trustees of the Nancy K. Kelly Trust for honoring Nancy’s life and values in such a meaningful way. Her compassion lives on through every life touched by this gift.
According to her 2024 obituary, Nancy Kathryn Kelly was born at Camp Stoneman, (in Pittsburg) California to parents Lydia M. and Edward F. Kelly. She became close friends with many people whom she remained friends with until her passing. Nancy moved to Placerville approximately 10 years ago where she bought her beloved home. Here as well she had many good friends and acquaintances. She was a committed and dedicated Marshall Hospital volunteer and was very active in the local Democrat Party and the Placerville Library. Nancy loved entertaining and often invited groups of friends for an afternoon party to enjoy her beautiful garden and home. Nancy loved gardening, cats, good wine, laughing and creating beautiful, crafted items. She is survived by a sister, two brothers, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy will be remembered as a generous, creative, independent, strong woman and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Animal Services legacy gift 12-18-25 inset
