Kelly C. Heallen, 56, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2011, surrounded by her loving family after a nine-year, valiant struggle with breast cancer. To the end, she maintained her poise, dignity and role as matriarch of her family.

Kelly was born in Houston, Texas on August 4, 1954 and was the oldest child of Pat and Sonia Cox.

Kelly was a woman of strong will and constitution, who believed in making the most of herself, a value she proudly instilled in her five children, her students, and her friends and family. Her children all attribute their educational and professional successes to their mother.

After working for several years as a legal assistant and paralegal, at age 40, she went back to school to complete her college education at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, while working full-time and raising her children. Upon graduation in 1996, she enrolled in the part-time program at South Texas College of Law, earning her J.D. in 2000. Kelly practiced law as a family attorney in Houston from 2000 until early 2011, with her oldest son and law partner, Jeremy.

Kelly served as an adjunct professor of pre-law and as a mock trial coach at the University of St. Thomas, where she inspired many adult students to pursue their college education and to attend law school. Her goal was always to teach aspiring law students the importance of ethics, striving to do her part to better the profession.

Kelly is survived by her husband, John Heallen; her children, Jeremy Heallen and wife Tiffany, Todd Heallen and wife Janelle, Randy Heallen and wife Rachel, Laura Henley and husband James, Tyler Heallen and wife Bonnie; her beloved granddaughter Julianna Heallen; her father Thomas “Pat” Cox, Sr; her brothers Thomas P. Cox, Jr. and wife Donna, David Cox and wife Cathy, Paul Cox and wife Linda, Jason Cox; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.

Kelly will be remembered by her brothers as a serving heart. In support of our early entrepreneurial endeavors she drove the car to put the Sharpstown rose peddlers on the streets (she did charge for this however). She honored her mother and father. Through the illness and eventual passing of our mother she was the rock that provided care, attendance and support. She took in our father and was instrumental in his grief recovery. Her adventurous spirit took him and her on many global adventures. She was also quick to make the impulsive pilgrimage to Las Vegas. While some of us questioned the wisdoms of these frequent adventures we are all comforted by the fact that she lived life fully and with vigor. She exemplified the standard of living life as if life is not guaranteed.

A private family service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kelly’s honor to the Susan G. Komen Foundation: http://rftc.convio.net/goto/kellys-angels.