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February 9, 2026

Remembering Kelli Kelm: A Dedicated Public Servant and Friend

This week, our community received the very sad news of the passing of former Deputy Mayor Kelli Kelm. On behalf of the Village Board and all of Greenwood Lake, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Kelli’s husband, Eric; her daughter, Samantha and her fiancé, Brett; her son, Jake and his wife, Lindsey; and to all of her family, friends, and loved ones. This is a difficult loss for many in our village, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time.

Kelli served the Village of Greenwood Lake with dedication, professionalism, and a sincere love for this community. During her time as Deputy Mayor, she approached the role with a strong sense of responsibility and a willingness to listen, collaborate, and work through the challenges that come with local government. Public service is often demanding and frequently behind the scenes, but Kelli understood how important that work is to the daily life of our residents.

I had the privilege of working alongside Kelli on the Village Board for 12 years, and in that time I came to know not just her work ethic, but her personality and character. Kelli had an amazing sense of humor and always went for the laugh. Even in long meetings or stressful situations, she had a way of breaking the tension and reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Kelli was also very tough for someone so small in stature, and she wasn’t afraid of much. She stood her ground when she believed in something and was never hesitant to speak her mind. That combination of toughness, humor, and dedication made her a valued colleague and a respected member of this board.

What stood out most to those of us who had the opportunity to work with Kelli was not only her commitment to the job, but her kindness and her ability to connect with people. She cared deeply about Greenwood Lake and took pride in being part of the efforts that keep our village moving forward. Whether it was attending meetings, supporting village initiatives, or simply being available to residents who had questions or concerns, she brought energy and sincerity to everything she did.

Kelli’s passing is also a reminder of how much of our community’s strength comes from people who are willing to step forward and serve. Local government depends on neighbors helping neighbors, and Kelli was one of those people who answered that call. Her contributions helped shape our village, and her efforts will not be forgotten.

Beyond her role in government, Kelli was a familiar and friendly presence to many. In a village like ours, people know each other not just as officials or coworkers, but as neighbors and friends. That makes a loss like this felt even more deeply, because it touches so many parts of our shared community life.

In the days and weeks ahead, I encourage everyone to keep Kelli’s family in your thoughts and prayers. If you knew her, take a moment to remember the good times, the conversations, and the ways she made a difference, both large and small. Those memories are part of what keeps a person’s spirit alive in a community.

On behalf of the Village Board and the entire Village of Greenwood Lake, we thank Kelli Kelm for her service, her dedication, and her care for this village. She will be missed, and she will be remembered.

See you around town,
– Mayor Tom Howley