Kelli Jo O'Brien (Tindall) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Grand Haven, Age 53, passed away on Wednesday, August 4th of 2021. She was born to Earl M. and Carol A. (Tanis) O'Brien on May 4, 1968, in Muskegon, Michigan at Mercy Hospital.

Kelli was the fourth child out of seven. She graduated from Grand Haven High School Class of 1986. Kelli went on to further her education at Muskegon Community College, where she earned a degree in Psychology & Early Childhood Development. She then pursued her dream of opening an at-home pre-school. She named her pre-school Little Learners and ran that business happily for 18 years until a new job arose - being a mom. Mothering her own children turned out to be the most fulfilling job of Kelli's life.

One of Kelli's greatest passions was Music, particularly Rock n' Roll. She loved to attend concerts; she proudly claimed to have attended over 300 concerts in her lifetime! Being a mom was very important to Kelli, she claimed the best thing she did in life was bring her children into the world. Her love went further than biological children, Kelli had a surplus of love & kindness and was seen as a mother figure to many throughout her life. She had a simple approach to life and always aimed to treat people with kindness and to encourage them to be the best they could be. Kelli had seen darkness so she wanted to be a Light in the world to others. One of her favorite statements being, "Those who look towards the sun rarely see the shadows", in other words, be so full of positivity that there is no room for negativity!

In her free time, Kelli enjoyed taking her service dog, Violet, on walks, playing with the kids at the park (with Violet), teaching the children not to fear dogs, watching classic Disney movies, and creating heartfelt gifts for friends.
She enjoyed younger years filled with track & field. She also found great enjoyment challenging herself with gymnastics. Kelli's sense of adventure always drove her to explore and never grow up.

Kelli was a very unique soul that had many passions. Art was an outlet Kelli used throughout her life to express her creative mind. She felt peace in nature and found beauty in the little things. Rock n Roll was also peaceful for Kelli and she would rather meditate to her favorite album than listen to a podcast. A Bohemian at heart, Kelli always had a sense of wonder that inspired many of her life's adventures.

Kelli is survived by her loving children, Robert C. and Hannah J. Dillree, as well as her brothers, Bill, Tom, Mike, and Tim, as well as her sister, Kim. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Carol, and her daughter, CeCelia Jo Dillree. The family would like to thank the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center as well as Faith Hospice for their care and compassion during Kelli's journey.

Kelli has requested an uplifting get together of happiness in celebration of her life. With her wishes in mind, her children are planning an event for a later date. Keep your eyes peeled as information will likely be found on her children's FB pages. Thank you and we hope to see you there.