Kelly Fay Vaughn, 33

Kelly Fay Vaughn, 33, of Spokane, Wash., passed away Feb. 22, 2020, from brain cancer. Kelly was born Feb. 5, 1987, in Mission Viejo, Calif., and was raised in San Clemente, Calif. She moved with her family to the Spokane/Post Falls area in 2003, graduating from Post Falls High School in 2005.

Eager to be on her own, Kelly moved to Portland, Ore., where she worked as a bar manager. She also co-founded NOT OK PDX, a non profit, women-run organization whose mission is to empower service industry staff to recognize and interrupt sexual violence through SaferBars workshops. Kelly also deejayed (aka Suzanne Bummers) and was a singer in a band known as Thigh Gap. Photography was another passion of hers. She had a knack for capturing a moment and telling the world about it through her lens.

In 2017, Kelly felt compelled to return to Spokane. We, here, were thrilled that she did! However, in November of 2017, Kelly was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and faced the battle with courage and ‘Kelly-style’ humor.

Her friends (and there are many) describe Kelly as selfless, generous, inspiring, amazing, hilarious, compassionate and a straight-up badass. She was known for her straightforwardness, unafraid of calling out the ill-informed in conversation, speaking for people unable to speak for themselves, defending the defenseless and standing with those who are alone.

Kelly always encouraged those around her to be the best person they could be, thus empowering them to be a positive influence on the world. Kelly loved a good laugh, a good hug and time spent with her friends listening to a favorite vinyl record. To say she will be missed by many is an understatement. Kelly touched so many lives during her short time here on earth and her unique style and personality will never be forgotten.

Kelly is survived by her mother, Dale McCormick of Coeur d’Alene; father, Daniel Vaughn of Georgetown, Texas; sister, Kristin Kaberi and brother-in-law, Patrick Kaberi and nephew, Patrick Kaberi Jr.; and, last but not least, her beloved cat, Gertrude.