Kellaug Hansen-Sandbu (Kelly Chamberlain)'s Obituary
Kellaug Hansen-Sandbu (Kelly Chamberlain) September 3, 1929 ~ June 7, 2017
Kellaug Hansen-Sandbu was born in the village of Favang, Norway on September 3, 1929 the first child and only daughter born to Olga Hansen Sandbu & Theodor Bull Hansen Sandbu. She passed away at her longtime home in St. Helens on June 7, 2017 with family by her side. She was 87 years young. Kelly and her children made Columbia County their home in 1963.
A few years later she met her best friend and love of her life, Ben Chamberlain. The two married in 1968 and went on to live life to the fullest. Kelly had so many interests, passions, hobbies and experiences it will be impossible to name them all. Traveling (especially to Norway), cooking, fishing, entertaining, boating, camping…the list goes on! Without a doubt, however her biggest source of pride and greatest treasure was always her family. She was truly “Everyone’s Grandma Kelly”.
Kelly was a well known and loved member of the community. She gained her skills and knowledge in the restaurant industry while employed by the Kozy Korner for many years, until opening her very own restaurant loving referred to as “Kelly’s Kitchen” (and later “Kelly’s Kitchen Again”). This is where people gathered in Old Town St. Helens to get some of their all-time favorites such as: chicken and dumplings, clam chowder and apple pie and milkshakes.
Kelly is survived by her son Harold Brecht (Cindy Brecht), daughters Lila Lapman and Melody Solum, her daughter in laws; Carol Reynolds and Jana Brecht, her brother Torbjorn Hansen Sandbu, 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandbabies, as well as 100’s of friends and family members (there was no such thing as an extended family to Grandma Kelly – we are all family). Kelly was preceded in death by her husband Ben Chamberlain, son Theodore Brecht, along with her brothers Odd Hansen Sandbu, Arne Hansen Sandbu and Havard Hansen Sandbu.
God looked around his garden and saw an empty space, then looked down to earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. His garden must be so beautiful, since he only chooses the very best.
Please join us as we celebrate a life well lived, by one of the VERY BEST this Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the St. Helens Elk Lodge at 5:00 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Kellaug?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kellaug?
Share a story where Kellaug's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kellaug you’ll never forget.
How did Kellaug make you smile?