Dorleen A. Kellicutt

Dorleen Kellicutt, age 65, passed away during a beautiful sunset, surrounded by her devoted husband and three loving children. Dorleen was born on June 8, 1961. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alice (Roycraft) Perce-Castline and Monroe Perce. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Joe Kellicutt; her children, Jessica Fowler, Aimee Kellicutt, and Zachary Kellicutt; son-in-law Corey Fowler; and her two grandchildren, Grady Fowler and Lainey Fowler, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She also leaves behind many beloved extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory. Dorleen developed a love for adventure, the mountains, and hiking when she moved to Colorado shortly after high school. After moving back home for a job at IBM she reconnected with the boy next door, Joe. They married in 1986. At age 35, with 3 children (ages 4, 7 and 8), Dorleen returned to school and earned a degree in nursing. She later accepted a position as the school nurse at Marathon Central School District, where she worked for 20 years at Appelby  Elementary. Dorleen was always an advocate for the students and always put their well-being first. She assisted many families in need with clothing, food and support. She had a gift for making people feel seen, comforted, and cared for, qualities that extended far beyond her profession. Together, Dorleen and Joe built a life rooted in hard work, faith in one another, and shared dreams. Board by board, they transformed a rocky hillside into the family home they envisioned. Watching that home take shape taught their children one of life's greatest lessons: that with determination, patience, and love, even the biggest dreams can become a reality. Dorleen’s retirement dream was to hike the Appalachian Trail from start to finish. However, this dream was interrupted in 2019 when Dorleen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For nearly seven years, Dorleen faced this diagnosis with extraordinary courage, resilience, and determination. Even after multiple surgeries, many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy Dorleen and Joe were able to complete a few more sections on the AT. She never stopped advocating for her health and refused to let her diagnosis define her. Through every challenge, she maintained her joy, her sense of humor, and the spark that made her so special. Her strength was an inspiration to all who knew her. Above all, Dorleen was the heart of her family. She was known for her unconditional love, unwavering support, and wisdom. She was the person everyone turned to for advice, encouragement, and comfort. The love she gave so freely will continue to live on through her family and in the countless lives she touched. Hike on, Mountain Mama.

In Dorleen's memory, her family is establishing the Dorleen Kellicutt Memorial Scholarship Fund. This annual scholarship will be awarded to a graduating student from Marathon Central School District who is pursuing a degree in nursing. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a donation to the scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to Joe Kellicutt and write "Dorleen Kellicutt Memorial Scholarship Fund" in the memo line. Donations may be mailed to or made directly at NBT Bank, P.O. Box 721, Whitney Point, NY 13862. Please join us in celebrating Dorleen's life on Sunday, July 12, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Lisle Fire Station. Light refreshments will be served.

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