Debra L. Kelly, age 64, passed peacefully Monday evening, July 24, 2017, in Emmetsburg, Iowa following a three-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Born in Dobbs Ferry, New York, on July 7, 1953 to Harry Hermanson and, Eva Lundstrom. She has three brothers, Randy, Kevin and Scott as well as a younger sister, Sandra.

Debra moved to Emmetsburg in October of 2003 and married Richard P. Kelly On July 31st, 2004. She holds a Microsoft Master’s Degree as well as other computer training certifications including Jaws and NVDA. She has worked as a contracted computer instructor for the Iowa Department for the Blind; and joined the team at My Blind Spot, Inc. in 2016 as their Project Coordinator of web accessibility and usability. Richard is also employed by MBS as their Educational Projects Coordinator; with primary focus on the accessibility and usability of the Intuit QuickBooks for Windows small business accounting program.

Debra was a driven professional with a love for reading and computers. When diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, she remained dedicated in her work and in her will to fight her illness. She remained a brave, iron-willed woman, resplendent with a sense of humor; even throughout her final months.

She leaves behind her husband Richard, daughter Jennifer, son Ryan, four grandchildren, three brothers and a sister; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her son, Eric.

A wake will be held on Thursday August 3rd at the Martine Matice Funeral home located at 704 Grand Avenue in Emmetsburg between the hours of four and seven PM.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M., at Assumption Catholic Church, 2001 S. Broadway Street; followed by internment in St. John’s Cemetery; a luncheon in the parish hall will also be provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations to My Blind Spot can be made in her memory. Donations can be made here

Or by mailing a check to:

My Blind Spot, Inc.
Debra Kelly Memorial Fund
175 West Main Street
Babylon, N.Y. 11702

Through your kind donation My Blind Spot can continue the work that Debra did to ensure equal access for people of all abilities just like her.