Kelly Kimberley Rhonda Schuler (Mahony)

September 5, 1979 - October 26, 2021
Kelly was born in Richmond, BC, moved to Qualicum Beach at age two and became an Island Girl.
Kelly is survived by her husband of 19 years Neil Schuler, her parents Dan and Wanda Mahony, her brothers Mike (Jen), Scott (Heather), nieces Emily, Samantha, Michaela and nephews Dominic and Lupin. Predeceased by her brother Patrick.
She graduated Kwalikum Secondary School (KSS), played the flute in the school band which allowed her to travel with the concert band to perform. While young, Kelly learned to play piano and enjoyed being part of the community softball teams and participated in gymnastics and dance. Kelly was a hardworking, dependable and responsible person, who started working at aged 10 delivering newspapers in Qualicum Beach. By 15, she started employment at Dairy Queen, followed by the Save-On Foods Gas Bar, Stellar Bay Oysters and then as a landscaper. Like many young girls, Kelly had a lifelong love of horses that grew over her 42 years. She cared for the horses at Flying Changes Riding School, took many lessons over the years to continually improve her riding skills, mentored young riders in horsemanship, and trained her own horses as well other clients. Kelly's passion of horses allowed her to compete and win many awards in Jumpers and Hunters. Kelly had an enthusiasm for the outdoors, camping, snowboarding, golfing, biking, sun bathing and hiking with family and friends. Kelly's infectious smile endeared her to create many lasting friendships. Kelly was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in October 2020 and tackled it over the past year, with the same tough determination and strong will she used training horses and owning large dogs. She was able to enjoy the past few months with visits from friends, family and a special family member from afar, an anniversary mini- vacation, trips to the local beaches and rivers, excursions to the barn to see the horses and even enjoy a few rides.Kelly found peace in her battle with cancer. She decided to get a tattoo of a blue butterfly on her forearm as she felt it was her transforming from this life into the next. Her thoughts were, when her family and friends saw one in the wild it would remind them of her. Kelly died at home with her most loving and caring husband Neil at her side, supported by family and friends.
A celebration of life with reception to follow, will be held at Coombs Fairgrounds, 1014 Alberni Hwy., Coombs, BC on Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 11:30am-2:00pm. The family has requested no flowers, food or gifts please