Yolanda Kinnelly

Yolanda M. Kinnelly, aged 85, passed away on December of 2023 at the Meadowbrook assisted living facility in Plattsburg, NY, following a prolonged illness. Born in Vigo, Spain in 1938 during the tumultuous years of the Spanish Civil War, Yolanda's life journey bore witness to both hardship and resilience. In 1958, she married Juan Pérez Pando and together they had seven children. Following the tragic loss of her husband to cancer in 1970, Yolanda courageously navigated the challenges of raising her children amidst the stifling grip of Franco's dictatorship in Madrid. Yolanda's indomitable spirit led her to pursue a career as a renowned interior designer, earning accolades for her talent and creativity. As she prepared to embark on a new chapter in northern Spain, fate intervened when she crossed paths with Frank Kinnelly, a U.S. Diplomat. Love blossomed between them, and they exchanged vows in 1982. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey, traversing the globe as Frank fulfilled his duties in various postings for the U.S. State Department in Spain, Germany, Canada, and the United States. Eventually, they settled in Peru, NY, where they found a welcoming community and established their cherished home. In Peru, Yolanda and Frank forged deep connections, cultivating meaningful friendships and actively participating in the vibrant fabric of their community. Yolanda's passions were as diverse as they were enriching. She reveled in her love for gardening, finding solace and joy amidst nature's beauty. A voracious reader, she indulged in books that transported her to different worlds. With her nimble hands, she embraced crafting, pouring her creativity into various projects. And as a skilled chef, she delighted in sharing her culinary creations, opening her home to friends and loved ones for unforgettable gatherings. While Yolanda's wish was to donate her body to the University of Vermont Medical School for research, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date, allowing family and friends to come together to honor and remember her remarkable journey. Throughout her illness, Yolanda drew strength from her unwavering faith, finding solace and tranquility in its embrace. Yolanda is survived by her sister Mercedes, her children Fernando, Yolanda, Ana, Cristina, and Miguel, her grandchildren Javier, Sebastian, Jonathan, Angela, and Amanda, as well as four great-grandchildren: Jackson, Wyatt, Audrey, and Amelia. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, an organization close to Yolanda's heart.