The obituary for Kelley Holdren pays tribute to her remarkable life of saving people with love.
The renowned Chief Flight Nurse of the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network (UCAN), 48 years old, lost her fight with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma on November 21.
Her career in emergency services throughout Illinois and Indiana left a lasting legacy, as evidenced by the heartfelt tribute from UCAN.
Kelley is a highly influential member of the aeromedical community, as demonstrated by her roles as Administrative Director and President of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA).
Her obituary serves as a tribute to a loved life and enduring legacy while the community grieves.
Who is Kelley Holdren?
According to UCAN, Holdren was the president of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) and was an active participant in the aeromedical community.
At this institution, she was also the acclaimed Administrative Director.
She started working at the University of Chicago Hospitals in 1998.
Following a brief stay, she started an eight-year career with AeroCare, Inc. as a flight nurse. She also held a consulting position at Rodan + Fields.
Holdren proved her dedication to excellence while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Illinois.
She continued her studies at Benedictine University, where she earned a Master of Science in Business Administration and Nursing.
Ten years ago, Teri Campbell, a colleague flight nurse, demonstrated the close ties in the community by organizing a Grand Slam Raffle on LinkedIn to collect money for Holdren’s cancer treatment.
Hannah and Isabella, Holdren’s two daughters, are the proud offspring of her husband Cliff Holdren III.
UCAN gave the tribute to Kelley Holdren
On their official Facebook page, UCAN announced the sad news of their Chief Flight Nurse, Kelley Holdren, passing away. Kelley generously provided aid to the Indiana and Illinois emergency services.
UCAN pledged in their memorial post to preserve Kelley’s legacy and the priceless teachings she left behind.
🙏 Today, AAMS mourns with ASTNA, the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network (UCAN) and the rest of our community as we learn of the passing of ASTNA President Kelley Holdren. We pray for Kelley’s family, friends and colleagues during such a difficult time. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RlIrJijhkU
— AAMS (@AAMS) November 21, 2023
They committed to maintaining the greatest standards of patient care that she had taught them.
They committed to building support and unity among their team members.
They put everyone’s safe return home first above anything else.
Chief Flight Nurse of UCAN, your soul will lead us to keep these pledges, as you would have desired.
Kelley Holdren Obituary
On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Kelley Joyce Holdren (previously Smith), 48, of Dyer, IN, went away.
She was Hannah and Isabella Holdren’s loving mother as well as Cliff Holdren III’s cherished wife.
In addition to being a devoted sister of Kathy Smith, the late Darcy (Chris) Scandura, Mark (Shawna) Smith, Luke Smith, and the late Matthew (Rebecca) Smith, Kelley was the beloved daughter of the late James Smith and Carol.
For Matthew, Tyler, Kiley, Jessica, and Brieana, she was a cherished aunt.
Kelley was a chief flight nurse and had a successful career leading the University of Chicago Hospital’s UCAN program.
She was the president of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), as well.
Many people in the field will sincerely miss her contributions. Monday, November 27, 2023, from 3 to 8 p.m., Smits Funeral Home, Dyer, IN, will host a visitation.
Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the same location.
