Kelsey Ann O'Connor

Kelsey was many things to many people. She was a loving daughter, dependable sister and genuine friend. She made her mark in this world and worked hard to be all she could be during the short years she was here with us.

Kelsey entered the world during a wonderful and exciting time for America . The United States Constitution had its 200th birthday, Gone with the Wind turned 50, E.T. phoned home, and in 1989 Americans gave $115,000,000,000 to charity. Internationally, at the very end of the decade, the Berlin Wall was removed - making great changes for the decade to come! Kelsey was the baby in the family. She was born to Dennis O'Connor and Lynn Neuman on September 17, 1986. She shared her childhood years with her older brother Ross and older sister Tracy. Kelsey was born and raised in Holland, Michigan among her friends and family.

She found lots of activities to enjoy as a kid. She attended Hamilton schools, graduating from Hamilton High School in 2004. She took piano lessons, taking time to practice and perfect her skills. She was a determined little girl and that quality followed her into adulthood. While in high school, she dedicated her time to being the best tennis player she could be. She spent time after school practicing and traveling from city to city to compete with other high school teams. Kelsey was always excited about life and she joyfully anticipating what adventure she would find around the next corner. One life changing experience during her teen years was when she took a missions trip to Philadelphia . Kelsey and other youth from Central Wesleyan Church headed to Philadelphia to serve underprivileged children and to find opportunities to show them God's love. She was grateful for the chance she had to help others and be a part of the aid that went out to those needy children.

After high school graduation Kelsey was ready to begin her college studies. She was accepted to Grand Valley State University . Kelsey was a smart kid, dedicated to her studies and committed to doing her best work. Not surprising, she had even made the Dean's list. With her grades well above average, Kelsey aspired to transfer to Columbia to continue her studies. She had a passion for marketing and was studying to earn a degree in that field.

When Kelsey wasn't focused on her studies she enjoyed spending time with her friends. She was a pure joy to be around which made it easy to have the great friends she had. Kelsey and her friends created many lasting memories together by soaking up the sun and surf on Lake Michigan . She loved the water and even learned to be a great surfer on a boogie board. She was so much fun to be around. Just hanging out was just as good of a time for her as being busy and on the go.

The year Kelsey graduated from high school she wanted to take advantage of her freedom and travel. She saved enough money to head out to California for a vacation filled with sun and stars. It was a place she had always wanted to experience. She had the chance to be a spectator for the game Price is Right. A game she had always wanted to be on. Like a dream, Kelsey was called up to participate. She ended up winning a refrigerator and she was even able to give Bob Barker a kiss on the cheek.

While studying her way through college, Kelsey had also been working at the Red Robin Restaurant as a waitress. Her welcoming personality and keen ability to multitask made her a success in the restaurant business. She knew success in life wasn't just handed to people and she willing to do what she needed to, to get where she wanted to be in life.

Kelsey's zest for life was seen by everyone who knew her. She lived joyfully, committed to her dreams and enjoying the moment. She was a hard working young lady who knew how to dedicate herself to succeeding. Kelsey was a well rounded, focused young lady who left this world much too early. She did not waste a moment of her short life. She filled it with family, friends and great achievements, leaving behind a legacy of love. Kelsey will be deeply missed!

Kelsey Ann O'Connor, age 19, of Holland , died Wednesday, March 1, 2006 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Surviving are her parents, Lynn Neuman and Scott Williams, and Dennis and Amy O'Connor, of Holland; Grandparents, Jack O'Connor, of Texas, Barb and Les Lampen, of Holland, Edward Neuman, of Arizona, and Esther Neuman, of Holland; a brother, Ross O'Connor, of California, and sister Tracy O'Connor, of Holland. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, 1:00p.m., at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 188 W. 32nd Street, Holland . Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, from 2:00-4:00p.m., and 7:00-9:00p.m., at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to a children's charity of ones choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can read Kelsey's Life Story, sign the guest book, share a memory, order flowers on-line or make a memorial contribution. Memorial contributions may be made to a children's charity of ones choice.