On Friday, January 13, 2023, this world lost a bright light. And although the world feels dark right now, we know there is a new star in the sky.

Kelly was an extremely special and amazing person to know and love. She had the biggest heart of anyone we know and would give you anything even if she had nothing to give, she was so gentle and loved hard, she was hysterically funny, so, so silly, a beautiful and talented dancer, had a smile like no other, she loved her family deeply, she was a fighter and so, so strong and brave, she was a warrior, her laugh was contagious and loud, she was loud…but in a good way, but then she was quiet because she was in so much pain, she was a fashionista, trend setter, and lover of shoes, she decorated her home so beautifully and was so proud of it, she welcomed all who wanted to be part of her life, she was a complete goof ball, she had such a vibrant personality, she never cared about what anyone else thought she was unapologetically herself, she was the life of a get together…always the first to pull out old videos, start a dance party or command your attention, and most importantly she loved her son, Zachary, more than anything on this earth. He brought her so much joy and happiness.

Kelly was a fantastic dancer. Dancing was her passion. In high school she was on the Carl Sandburg Varsity Eaglettes squad for four years. After High School she was a proud dancer with the Chicago Luvabulls for two years.

In 1996 she gave birth to her son Zachary who she said "was her one and only blessing".

In 1998 Kelly was involved in a terrible car accident. She sustained life threatening injuries that would affect her until the day she left this earth. However, even though she was in constant pain, Kelly was able to become a cosmetologist and also graduate with a four year degree in Elementary Education.

As Zach grew up she became his biggest fan. Going to all his games, helping at his school, enjoying watching him grow up with his friends. She pushed him to always continue to chase his music dreams. His mom always told him that no dream was too big or too small, all you have to do is keep going. She was his biggest inspiration and they loved each other more than anything. She lived and breathed for her son and was the best mom a boy could have.

Her injuries from the accident caused her to develop a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia. Trigeminal Neuralgia is a long-term pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve which causes episodes of severe, shock-like pain in one side of the face that can last for seconds to hours.  There is no cure and as you age it progressively gets worse.  It is regarded as one of the most painful disorders known to medicine. Kelly had this condition for 25 years and by the end of her life she was completely disabled.  No more dancing, going out socially, she was unable to be around the things she enjoyed because noise caused her pain, eating, talking, laughing was extremely difficult and painful. Going outdoors could cause her excruciating pain. By the end of her life, ninety percent of her time she spent in her bed. The pain was constant and unending.

She is now at peace and finally pain free. She is dancing happily in paradise. Her beautiful smile is shining brighter than the sun, her laughter is being heard by everyone, she is singing every karaoke song and entertaining everyone she meets, she is spreading her joy to every soul she sees and shedding her kindness on every heart she greets.

We will miss her smiling face, her laughter, her hugs, her love and every single thing that made her the beautiful mother, daughter, sister, and TT that she was. We love her with every fiber of our being and will miss her for all of our days.  Until we meet again, we will hold her in our hearts every single day.

Kelly Lyn Crean, age 46, died suddenly, formerly of Orland Park. Beloved mom of Zachary Crean; devoted daughter of Michael and Nancy (nee Pandel); loving sister of Jennifer (Jason) Roney; kind aunt of Megan and Tyler Roney; Cherished granddaughter of Gene Crean. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Ernest and Ada Pandel and James Crean. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Facial Pain Research Foundation.

Please join us in honoring the life of Kelly:

Monday, January 23rd

Parkview Christian Church
11100 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, Illinois

5:00 - 6:15 pm, we will be welcoming family and friends, and at 6:30 pm we will begin her Celebration of Life service.

Our hope is that all of our family and friends will stay for the beautiful celebration of Kelly's life that we have planned at 6:30... it would mean so much to our family to have you there with us to honor Kelly.

This is a Celebration of Kelly's life and we are asking that you wear bright colors or something that reminds you of Kelly and her bright spirit.