Kelly Lynn Elmore

Kelly Lynn Elmore, 58, of Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully at home on April 27 under the care of URMC hospice. Kelly leaves behind a legacy of compassion, adventure, and deep love for those around her.

Born on May 10, 1967, in Norwich, New York, Kelly grew up in Medina, NY. She later lived in Buffalo, NY and Jupiter, Florida before ultimately settling in Rochester, where she built a life rooted in service, connection, and joy.

Kelly had a deep love for travel and exploration. She embraced the beauty of the world, visiting destinations including Paris, Italy, Belgium, St. Thomas, Jamaica, Mexico, Prince Edward Island, Hawaii, Florida, and California. These journeys reflected her curiosity, her appreciation for culture, and her zest for life.

A dedicated and accomplished professional, Kelly was a graduate of SUNY Geneseo and went on to earn her postgraduate degree from Nazareth College in Rochester. She devoted more than 30 years to her work as a highly respected speech pathologist, supporting patients of all ages in schools, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. Her compassion, patience, and expertise touched countless lives.

Above all, Kelly cherished being a mother. She leaves behind her beloved son, Jourdan Oliver Dunn of Maryland. Kelly poured her heart into motherhood, creating meaningful experiences and memories that will live on through him.

Kelly is also survived by her loving partner, Michael Riggi, and his daughters, Cassidy and Masha. Mike cared for Kelly with deep devotion and love until her passing, and she will be profoundly missed by them all.

She is further survived by her siblings: Christy Johnson (Kenneth Van Cott) of Brattleboro, Vermont; Craig “Billy” Johnson of Oakland, California; Donald (Deborah) Johnson of Venice, Florida; and Michael Johnson of Buffalo, New York. She also leaves behind her cherished nephews, Christopher Van Cott of Walpole, Massachusetts, and Kurtis and Zane Johnson of Buffalo, New York.

Kelly was predeceased by her parents, Donald William and Shirley Mae Johnson.

Kelly lived an active and joyful life. She loved skiing, biking, hiking, and canoeing, and found great happiness in music—both listening to live performances and playing the drums herself. Her passion for learning continued throughout her life, as she pursued music lessons well into adulthood.

A true animal lover, Kelly, shared a special bond with her beloved companion, Calvin, the wiener dog.

Kelly will be remembered for her warmth, her free spirit, and her wonderfully quirky, signature sense of humor—boldly herself, she turned everyday moments into laughter, often with a quick, clever remark that only she could deliver, saying in her own unmistakable way just the right (or hilariously wrong) thing at exactly the right moment.