Trending
Christine Dahlkemper Kelley, 61, of Erie, passed away peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by loving family and close friends, after a courageous 15-month battle with cancer. True to her character, she faced life's greatest challenges with remarkable strength, determination and a spirit all her own.
Christine met the love of her life, Bruce Kelley, of Altoona, in 2021, and they married on July 18, 2025. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with loved ones and making cherished memories. She also formed meaningful relationships with Bruce's five adult children: Ehrin (Bill) Ward, Tarah (Aaron) Van Deursen, Bryan (Caroline), Aidan and Mackenzie -- offering friendship, encouragement and loving support.
Christine lived with deep faith, generosity and perseverance, but her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. She raised five children: Nicole (Toby) Brauer, Shawn (Amanda) Dahlkemper, Angela (William) McAndrew, Ashley (Mike McConnell) and Katherine (Justin) Yezzi. She led by example, teaching them the importance of kindness, hard work, family and using their gifts to make a difference.
Her proudest professional accomplishment was co-founding Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection, in 1995 with her former husband. Together, they built a successful family-owned jewelry business deeply rooted in the Erie community. To Christine, it was never just about jewelry, but about people. She made everyone feel welcomed, valued and cared for, forming lasting friendships with generations of clients, employees and families.
Christine's generosity extended beyond the jewelry store. She supported local charities and nonprofit organizations, believing giving back was both a responsibility and a blessing. She continually sought ways to help others through countless acts of kindness.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Bruce; her five children and their spouses; 13 grandchildren; Bruce's five children; and three grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: David (Kathy, deceased) Detzel, Chuck (Gail) Detzel, Peter (Marcia) Detzel, Kathy Sebunia and Mary Dietz (Dave Shaliko); along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dolores Detzel; her sister, Susan Detzel; and her sister-in-law, Kathy Porreca Detzel.
Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th St., Erie.
Additional visitation will be held from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at All Saints Church, 11264 Perry Highway, Waterford.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Jaffa Shriners, 2200 Broad Ave., Altoona, PA 16601; or The Christine Dahlkemper Kelley Women's Empowerment Fund of The Erie Community Foundation, honoring her legacy of empowering women and strengthening families, one generation at a time.
bruggerfuneralhomes.com