It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kelly Wyles, age 44, of Timberlea, Nova Scotia, who left us peacefully on November 3rd, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Geoff, daughters Elena and Vanessa, and those closest to her.
Born in Prospect, Nova Scotia, Kelly was the cherished daughter of Warren Umlah (Wanda Ryan) and Heather Umlah, and sister to Nicolle Umlah. She is also survived by her Uncle Bruce (Roselyn), Aunt Rhonda, and predeceased by her Uncle Jim.
Kelly was many things to many people: an extraordinary mother, a devoted wife, and a true friend. Above all, she was deeply proud of her daughters, Elena and Vanessa, and devoted herself to supporting their growth and success. Kelly took great joy in helping them achieve their Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do, a journey she embraced with them every step of the way. We extend heartfelt thanks to the LeBlanc Tae Kwon Do club for the encouragement and guidance they provided to her girls over the years.
In 2020, Kelly and her family’s lives were turned upside down by a diagnosis of kidney failure. Despite her unwavering determination, life presented challenge after challenge. After a failed kidney transplant in 2023, she was diagnosed with liver cancer in July 2024. Yet, Kelly’s spirit remained unbreakable. She fought with incredible courage, never giving up, even as her body grew weary. Sadly, her fight ended and she was taken from us far too soon.
While her time with us was short, the memories made with her are as plentiful and colourful as the many MAC eyeshadow palettes that she loved to collect. Kelly’s love for her friends, her "chosen family," was a constant source of joy in her life. Always ready for an adventure and never missing a chance to be surrounded by those she loved, Kelly filled the lives of everyone around her with warmth and laughter.
Above all, Kelly's heart belonged to Geoff, her soulmate, the love of her life, or as she called him ‘My Geoff’. Together, they shared 24 amazing years together—19 of them as husband and wife. Their partnership was a testament to love’s strength, resilience, and depth. Through thick and thin, they built a life full of love, joy, and family. Their bond remains unbroken, and the love they shared will never fade. Kelly will carry on through their two remarkable daughters, Elena and Vanessa who possess all of her greatest qualities.
We are deeply grateful to Kelly’s chosen family—Anita, Chasity, Louise, Andrea, Tanya, and so many others who offered steadfast support throughout her journey. A special thank you to Sabrina, Kelly’s "Kidney Bean," for your selfless efforts to give Kelly a second chance at life. We know Kelly was never alone in her fight, and we find comfort in knowing that her spirit is now reunited with her other chosen sister, Nikki.
We also wish to thank the incredible staff at the Bayer's Lake Community Outpatient Centre for the care they provided during Kelly’s dialysis treatments, as well as the compassionate nurses and doctors at the Halifax Infirmary and VG, especially Meghan, Chris, Tammy, and Yvonne, who showed Kelly and her family such loving care during her final days.
Kelly will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her. Her warmth, kindness, and unyielding spirit will live on in our hearts.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held in Kelly’s honor on November 30th, 2024, at the White’s Lake Legion. Kelly always wanted a party, and we will fulfill her wish. Please feel free to drop by anytime after 4pm to share memories, support the family, and celebrate her life. The evening will include a dance beginning at 7pm, with Trevor Probert spinning the tunes as we honor Kelly in the way she would have wanted—joyfully and surrounded by love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wyles Family GoFundMe or directly to the family.
As Kelly would want us to remember,
"You just call on me, sister, when you need a hand; We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand; We all need somebody to lean on.
Lean on me. When you're not strong, and I’ll be your friend.
I’ll help you carry on, for, it won’t be long, till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on."
