Kelly Jean Stefl

Kelly Jean Stefl (Doherty), age 64, of Geneva and Mentor, OH passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2026 at UH Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. She was born February 26, 1962 in the District of Columbia to Phyllis and James Doherty. Kelly married Scott Stefl in Bethel Park, PA on September 11,1982.
She is survived by her loving husband, Scott Stefl; Son Alex; Daughters Shannon, Samantha (Peter Dobrowski) grandson Benson Kelly Dobrowski and chosen family Sarah, Dan, Cecelia and Vivienne Kozlowski.
Kelly loved having her home filled with family and friends and especially children. A true baby whisperer Kelly loved helping kids be their true and best self. She was always ready for a game of euchre, rummy or backgammon and typically won. She enjoyed making holidays special but made Christmas her masterpiece. Whether it was deciding on a decorating theme, picking out her 14 foot Fraser fir tree or spending days cooking she put her whole heart into making it special for everyone. Purple was her signature color and she had an unbreakable bond with elephants and their matriarchal nature. Her favorite place was the beach of Hilton Head Island where she went in the summer for the last 40 plus years. Her perfect day was sitting in her chair letting the waves crash onto her feet while she read a good book.
She welcomed all with open arms and became a loving mother to anyone who crossed her path. Her memory lives on in her family and those who were lucky enough to know her kindness and generosity and she would ask that you show the same to others.
In lieu of flowers, donations or elephant adoptions can be made to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kelly’s name. www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com