Belinda Canton Kelly, 60, of Edgewater

»Information from the George P. Kalas Funeral Home website.

Belinda Canton Kelly, 60, of Edgewater died July 10, 2015 at her home in Edgewater surrounded by her family.

With her infectious smile, Belinda touched the hearts of many. She will always be remembered for her courageous and unwavering battle against cancer, for her absolute love of books, sailing, and gardening, for her devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary, and for the unconditional love she had for her husband, her family, and her friends.

Belinda was born in Belize City, Belize to Gilbert and Lillian Canton and spent her youth in San Francisco, CA. After receiving her doctorate of philosophy in international relations from the University of Southern California, Belinda moved to Washington, DC, to begin her 23-year career with the federal government. Among her many assignments, she was detailed to the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Export Administration. Belinda had become a senior professional supporting the Director of National Intelligence at the National Counterproliferation Center when she became seriously ill. Not letting cancer define her, she persevered in her dedication to protecting our country and continued to receive numerous official acknowledgments and commendations during this time.

Belinda is survived by her husband, Hugh; her stepson and daughter-in-law, Brendan and Julie, and her granddaughter, Megan; her brother-in-law, Michael, and extended family in Ireland. She is also survived by her sister, Alsida; and her brothers, Lucien (Doreen), and John (Moe); numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and many other family members and friends.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. until Belinda’s memorial service begins at 11 a.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road in Edgewater.

Inurment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122.