Kelly Lynn Gapinski passed away on Sept. 18, 2017. She was born in Fort Lewis, Washington, on June 1, 1977 to parents Robin and Tammy Pack.
Kelly grew up in Everson and graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 1995. She then attended Eastern Washington University and earned a BA degree in counseling. At that time, she was unsure of pursuing a counseling career and worked as an educational assistant for 1½ years in the Bellingham School District. Here Kelly discovered her calling to become a teacher. Pursuing this passion led her to earn a BA and master’s degree from City University in elementary education. Kelly worked for the Issaquah School District for 13 years teaching first and second grades. While teaching in Issaquah, Kelly met and married fellow Issaquah school teacher Chris Gapinski. They were married on July 28, 2007 in Everson.
She had a special bond with each one of her students. She enjoyed hosting craft parties, holiday parties and any themed party she could come up with for her friends and family! She loved spending her summers at Birch Bay, riding her bike and spending hours at the pool and beach with her daughter Payton. Kelly was a very special person who will be missed by her friends, family and school community.
She is survived by her husband Chris and daughter Payton of Maple Valley, Washington; parents Robin and Tammy Pack of Everson; and sister Dawny Pack of Ballard.
Services were held on Sept. 23 in New Life Church of Renton, Washington.
