Kelly Harper

The heavens welcome one of their most joyful souls, and our family weeps at the passing of Kelly Fraser Harper, our loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend on November 30, 2024. 

Kelly was born with music in her heart and lived her days in child-like wonder of the world and its beautiful bounty. There was never a sunset or a flower that wasn’t worth pulling over for. Kelly was quick to sing, dance and had an infectious joy that spread like wildfire to those around her–making her the life of the party or the center of a family gathering.

 Kelly was a gifted poet, who shared her deepest feelings, hopes and dreams for herself and others in sublime words that she often gave as gifts on special occasions. Innocent at heart, and always looking for the thrill, this world was oftentimes too harsh for Kelly. She felt things very intensely, and lived her life passionately, but always with love in her heart and mischief in her smile.

 She was born Kelly Fraser in Reading, England in 1964 and spent the first 10 years of her life exploring the world. She went from England to a cattle ranch in western Canada, and then to Australia–a place that brought her immense happiness–where the beach was always near and the sun smiled upon her daily. The Fraser family then returned to the U.S. and Kelly spent the rest of her days between California and Arkansas/Louisiana. 

 Despite the end of her world tours, Kelly remained an avid lover of the road–from long road trips across the country, to short drives on a back road or an adventure to Mexico. She was always happiest when these journeys led her to the beach. The ocean and Kelly were deeply connected–she loved swimming in its waters, walking along its beaches and collecting its beautiful offerings–from sea shells to sand. 

 Blessed with a large family, Kelly’s greatest joy came from the connections and time spent with people she loved. In motherhood and grandmotherhood, Kelly found her life’s purpose. Kelly went out of her way to make birthdays and holidays special for her children–frequently pouring her heart into a hand-crafted gift. Known affectionately as “Lala” to her granddaughters, Kelly’s face lit up most brightly in their presence. She loved her family more than anything in this world. 

 Her bright smile will be eternally missed by those of us who knew her. Kelly’s light was extinguished far too soon, but to those of us who were fortunate enough to feel her presence, we will always remember the love and joy she embodied.

 She is survived by two children-Wyatt Harper, Alicia Frith (Nick); two grandchildren–Kyndall and Harper Frith; and four siblings- Denyse Jackson (Paul), Michelle Fraser, Jonas Fraser (Meghan), and Alix Fraser (Anne E.). She is preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Fraser and her father, Robert Fraser. 

 A celebration of life will be held at the beach in January.