Family of Flagstaff woman killed by her husband honors her legacy

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Tender. Loving. Present. A great mother. Patient, kind, thoughtful. That’s how Kelly Paduchowski’s family will remember her.

“There are no negative words to describe Kelly,” said Mary McFall, Kelly’s mother. “She was always trying to reach out from her higher self.”

The 45-year-old mother of two was found dead on July 5 after her husband, Daniel Paduchowski, reported her missing on June 30. Daniel Paduchowski, 58, told police he killed his wife and told her on July 5 where they could find her body.

RELATED TOPICS: Flagstaff woman’s body found, husband pleads guilty to murder, other charges

Daniel Paduchowski agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder and other charges, officials said. He will serve a 16-year sentence in the Arizona Department of Corrections and is not eligible for early release, said Michael Tunink, chief prosecutor for Coconino County.

Lindsey McFall, Kelly’s identical twin sister, learned her sister was missing from her mother, Mary. Lindsey said she and her wife drove from Denver to Flagstaff that night.

“I started shaking and immediately panicked,” said Lindsey McFall. “It was just a long, horrible week.”

RELATED: Police believe missing Flagstaff woman was killed; husband arrested

But Mary and Lindsey both want to make sure Kelly is not remembered for what happened to her in her final moments.

“We all just hope that Kelly is remembered not for how her life ended, but for how she lived,” Lindsey said.

Mary said her daughter was born “from the beginning as a lovable, creative nature girl.”

“She was one of those people who could do anything well if she tried,” Mary said of her daughter.

Kelly was making beautiful pottery after just one lesson, her mother said, and was training for a triathlon she planned to compete in just a week after her death.

Lindsey said her sister is “inspirational” and “constantly evolving.” Although Lindsey is not an athlete herself, she said watching her sister train has made her want to become one.

“I just wish I could have seen her at this triathlon,” Lindsey said.

Mary said that throughout their childhood and adult years, Lindsey and Kelly brought out the “weirdo” in each other and interacted and communicated in ways that only twins can.

“She was my best friend,” Lindsey said. “I love being a twin, I love it. It’s like you’re guaranteed to have a friend.”

When Kelly was first reported missing, Mary said there were many volunteers who volunteered to search for her. And when police announced she had been killed, many people on social media offered their support.

“The volunteers who came when they thought she was missing … it brings tears to my eyes,” Mary McFall said. “It’s so heartwarming. It’s hard to put into words.”

Mary said everyone who posted on social media shared the same feelings as her: Kelly’s death was a loss for the entire community.

“This event really shocked and shook the town,” Mary McFall said. “It just made me realize that even after she died, she really held the town together.”

Mary said finding Kelly was a top priority for police, detectives, the victim’s advocate and all officials and city employees she and her family interacted with.

And that made the difference.

“People are not just numbers in this town,” Mary said. “They responded with respect and compassion and you could just tell they were really committed… I feel more connected to this community than ever after this experience because they were incredible.”

She spent days answering prayer messages and kind words about Kelly.

“They said, ‘We have no words for this.’ And I said, ‘You don’t need words for this. Just the fact that you are reaching out gives us strength,'” Mary said.

Mary had a clarifying conversation with her daughter in early June when the couple attended the Wool Festival in Flagstaff, not knowing what to expect.

“It was the first time we were really together as a couple,” Mary said. “It was so unique because normally she’s a mom and so busy and not available for these events. But it worked out and it was just a joy… I’m so glad I have this really beautiful memory of our time together.”

After her death, Kelly’s family built an altar to honor her, which includes pictures of her, drawings by her children, and a small electronic candle.

Every seven hours the candle is extinguished and it is Kelly’s children who relight it to ensure that a light shines in memory of their mother.

Kelly leaves behind two children: her 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son. Mary said Kelly’s legacy is her grandchildren.

“I hope they are as ethical, loving, caring, patient and kind as she is,” said Mary McFall. “I hope they don’t let themselves be treated like a doormat, but be strong and know why you should live a good life.”

Lindsey said her memories of her twin sister could fill “many books,” but she will always remember how excited the two were to see each other.

“I see her when I look in the mirror, I see her when I look at her children,” Lindsey said. “I will talk to her every day for the rest of my life.”

Kelly’s family started a GoFundMe campaign after many people – even some who had never met Lindsey – asked how they could help. All of the money from the GoFundMe campaign will go into a trust fund for her children. The fund can be found here.

“We will honor her by remembering what a great person she was,” Lindsey said.

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