Catherine Flinn Kellam, 52, passed away on March 24, 2022 due to complications from a hemorrhagic stroke.  Born May 31, 1969 in Virginia Beach, VA, Catherine is survived by her mother Susan Stephens Kellam; her two brothers David Early Kellam Jr and John Simonton Kellam; and her beloved daughter Cora Flinn Baumgartner.  We take solace in the knowing that she is reunited with her father and best friend who preceded her in death, David Early Kellam.

After graduating with a degree in psychology from Salisbury State University, she went on to further study psychology under the masters program at Old Dominion. Catherine maintained several different jobs over the years but ultimately found most fulfillment in being a stay at home mom where she was always able to put that psychology degree to good use.  A deeply spiritual woman and long time member of Nimmo United Methodist Church, she always strove to be a beacon of hope for those in need.  She was never sparing with her words of kindness and encouragement and always had a sense of who needed to hear them, whether it be a friend or a stranger on the street.  Catherine wasn’t a shy person and never turned down a karaoke microphone or a chance to show off her powerhouse voice.  She was an animal lover, always caring for something be it cats, turtles, dogs, or most notably a potbelly pig named Lucille who was treated as the family pet long before that became a trend. A collector of all things beautiful, Catherine loved to surround herself with trinkets, jewelry, and other miscellaneous odds and ends that brought her joy and sparked conversation.  Of all the things that she held dear there is no greater love than the one she shared with her daughter, Cora. Her proudest accomplishment in life will always be raising a brilliant, independent, enlightened young woman with the mental fortitude to be whomever she wants to be in this world.   A walking ray of sunshine who filled our lives with vibrance and warmth, Catherine will be desperately missed by those she left behind.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Norfolk SPCA in Catherine’s name.  A celebration of life will be held at noon on May 31 at Nimmo UMC.