In Memory of Brigid Beth Kelly

Our beloved sister, friend, mentor and priestess, Brigid Beth Kelly, passed into the Summerlands on July 13th, 2010. Her passing is a blow to all of us who appreciate smart, funny, wise, generous, powerful wimmin, for Brigid Beth was surely all of these.

A long time contributor and supporter of the Festival of The Goddess, Brigid Beth worked tirelessly in many capacities over the last 15 years, serving as coordinator, bookkeeper, registrar, water bearer, food wrangler, ritual designer, temple builder, high priestess, workshop leader, grounds prep, post festival clean-up, and thousands of other jobs no one else saw. It is hard to imagine going on without her, but that is what she would not only want, but expect us to do.

Brigid Beth earned a degree in the newly established category of Women's Studies, which she attained while raising her children as a single mother, and working full time. Without benefit of a computer, she wrote her final paper on the then newly uncovered Irish landmark of New Grange, astounding and confounding professors with the research that showed it to be older than the pyramids. She was able to go to Ireland several times before her passing, and found a great deal of strength in her Irish roots.

We are, of course, grateful for her most generous gift to us, her daughter Lily, who has grown up among us and continues to be a part of this community.

To quote her long-time friend, Pat Cuney: "She is remembered for her courage, her passion, her kindnesses, her compassion, her generosity, her wit, her humility, and her throaty chuckle, and I know every time I cast a circle in the future where the words, "Her bright, shining spirit," are used, I will think of her.

Hail, Brigid Beth, full of grace. blessed be your name!