Kayleen Elizabeth Flanery-Alberts, age 37, of Sand Lake, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her loving family.

Kayleen lived life to the fullest every day, a true warrior filled with passion, grit, and love. Born on February 21, 1989, in Ludington, the daughter of Michael and Jenny (Schmitz) Flanery, she came into this world not easy; but she grew into a woman of exceptional integrity and a source of unending devotion.

Kayleen made a habit of proving wrong everyone who doubted her. She persevered through hardships and overcame the odds her entire life, fighting a lifelong and courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis, and enduring two double lung transplants.

Unwilling to live a life less than she knew she deserved, Kayleen set out turning her dreams into reality. She graduated from Baker College Summa Cum Laude, a President's List recipient, and earned an Associate of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. From there Kayleen went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a Concentration in Advertising from Ferris State University, making the Dean's List and becoming a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

In June of 2021, Kayleen put those degrees to work for Digital Limelight Media in Grand Rapids. She made a name for herself at the company working to build a new department from the ground up.

The following month, on July 22, Kayleen met the love of her life, Adam Flanery-Alberts. Together they taught each other what true love means, and exactly two years later to the date, they were married in her parents' backyard. Joy and laughter filled their home daily as they grew their relationship over the years.

Kayleen loved her two fur babies, Kahne and Luna, with such genuine compassion. Together with Adam, the four of them went on many adventures. She loved spending time outdoors, whether it was heading up north camping for the weekend or simply breathing in the fresh air, she felt at peace in nature.

Family was of the utmost importance to Kayleen. Her parents, always there to love, support, and encourage her; her sister Tabitha, prepared to give tough love when she needed it, but also to advocate for her like none other; her brother Zachary, her best friend and a shoulder she could lean on, understanding her more than most could; her nieces and nephew, giving her laughter, happiness, and pride as she watched them grow up; her brother-in-law Joe, ready and willing when she needed a drinking buddy.

Kayleen cherished her friend group, understanding how important they were in her life. She enjoyed getting together with the ladies for craft nights, going rock hunting on the beach, or just hanging out chatting one-on-one.

She is lovingly remembered by: her husband, Adam Flanery-Alberts; fur babies, Kahne Edmond and Luna Onyx; parents, Michael and Jenny Flanery; sister, Tabitha (Joe) Thommen; nephew, Joseph Thommen; nieces, Lexi, Kenzie, and Faith Thommen; and a whole host of friends and family.

She was preceded in death by: her grandparents, Gerald Sr. and Jean Schmitz: Lawrence and Beverly Flanery; uncles, Fred Schmitz, Buzz Schmitz, Louie Schmitz, Larry Flanery Jr., Michael Oomen, and Joe Shaddock; cousin, Sabrina Shefke; her brother, Zachary Michael Flanery, embracing her as she slides into heaven saying, "That was one hell of a ride!"

Family and friends are invited to honor Kayleen's memory from 2-4 PM, Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Michigan in her honor.

www.beaconfh.com