Overview:
Hamilton County mourns the loss of auditor Brigid Kelly, honoring her with flags at county-owned buildings flown at half-staff.
By: Taylor Weiter, Cincinnati Herald Staff
Brigid Kelly, the Hamilton County auditor who recently stepped down from her position amid her two-year battle with cancer, died March 26, her family said.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered that flags at all public buildings and grounds in Hamilton County and at the Ohio Statehouse fly at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on April 4, the day of Kelly’s funeral. The Hamilton County Commissioners ordered all flags in the county to be at half-mast.
“She was a treasured wife, daughter and sister, a valued friend and a true public servant,” her family said.
“Fran and I are saddened by the death of Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly,” DeWine said. “Like many who worked with her, I knew Brigid to be cordial, collaborative and willing to work with both parties to help advance the interests of Ohioans.”
Kelly, a Norwood native and daughter of a former Norwood Mayor, attended St. Ursula Academy. She graduated from Xavier University with her bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and marketing, and a Master of Arts Degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of Cincinnati. She was elected to the Norwood City Council one year after graduating from college. She later was elected as a state representative for the 31st District of Ohio, which includes Norwood, Amberley, Silverton and more.
Kelly spent more than a decade working for members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75 (UFCW75), representing union members in the grocery and food processing industries. From 2016 to 2022, she was a State Representative for Ohio House District 31 and served as Democratic Caucus Whip.
She fought in the State House for hardworking families and focused on issues that impact all Ohioans such as good wages, affordable healthcare benefits, and safe workplaces. Kelly focused on ensuring that Ohio’s children receive the best education by making investments in local schools, holding corporations accountable for taxpayer investments, and pursuing policies important to families, such as paid sick and family leave.
Kelly passed bipartisan legislation repealing the “pink tax” in Ohio in order to eliminate sales taxes on feminine hygiene products. The vote was almost unanimous with only one “no” vote.
In 2022, she was elected to serve as Hamilton County Auditor, becoming the first woman to be elected to this position. Under her leadership, the Office of the Hamilton County Auditor completed the reappraisal of 350,000 parcels of real estate, modernized the Board of Revision process, and increased staff to create more equity.
“I got to know her when a group of us organized a grassroots presidential campaign for this unknown guy from Illinois [President Barack Obama]. She was so much fun to work with and we had a blast! I’ve adored her ever since,” said Vice Mayor Kearney. “When I kicked off my campaign for City Council in 2023, I asked Brigid to give my introduction. As busy as she was, she didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’ and I was really honored. She always had a smile and warmth that made everyone feel important.”
Kelly resigned as Hamilton County Auditor the week before she passed. Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus teared up in making the announcement. “As many know, Brigid was diagnosed with cancer just under two years ago,” Driehaus said. “She has fought this disease with her typical rigor while continuing to serve as the county auditor.”
Driehaus said Kelly asked commissioners to appoint Chief Deputy Auditor Amy Humphrey as the acting auditor until a replacement is selected. Kelly requested that State Rep. Jessica Miranda ultimately is chosen to fill her seat.
Fellow commissioners, President Alicia Reece and Stephanie Summerow Dumas celebrated Kelly’s passion and fight, as well as her love for others.
“(She was) showing up every day, even though she had her own fight, trying to fight for the citizens of this county,” Reece said. “It’s unbelievable.”
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval called Kelly’s death a “heart-wrenching moment.” He said, “Brigid Kelly was, and will remain, an irreplaceable kind of spirit. In everything she set herself to, she left a real and unique touch.” Pureval added, “You always knew she was there, that she cared and that she would do what it took to help.”
Rep. Dani Isaacsohn, Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, and Councilmember Anna Albi paid tribute to Kelly at the invitation of Norwood Councilmember Susan Hoover on March 26. Kelly passed later that evening. The next day, Kearney was joined by Mayor Pureval and all Cincinnati Councilmembers to honor her.
Ohio GOP chair Alex Triantifilou said he had a “very positive image of [Kelly] as a kind, professional and gracious person.”
House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said, “Rep. Brigid Kelly was one of the best lawmakers I have had the honor to serve with in the Ohio General Assembly. Her kind, principled servant leadership embodied the best of politics and all that we as public servants aspire to be.
“Brigid’s leadership on issues, from paid family leave to better wages and stronger communities, improved the lives of working Ohio families and charted a course for the next generation of Democratic leadership in our state.
“Brigid genuinely cared about and connected with her constituents in every role she had. I am heartbroken for our collective loss and share my deepest sympathies with her husband Steve, her family, and all who were fortunate to know one of the strongest, most passionate, and most effective public servants in our state– Brigid Kelly.”
Visitation: Wednesday, April 3, 4 – 8 p.m., Naegele Kleb & Ihlendorf Funeral Home, 3900 Montgomery Rd. Norwood, Ohio 45212.
Service: Thursday, April 4, 10 a.m., Bellarmine Chapel, Xavier University 3801 Francis Xavier Way, Cincinnati, OH 45207
Reposted with permission from WCPO 9 Cincinnati.