Kelly G. (Bailer) Krauss, of Acton, MA, died peacefully on February 27, 2025, surrounded by the loving presence of her family. She was 54.

Kelly was born in California on July 12, 1970, as the daughter of Penny Bailer and the late Kermit G. Bailer. Her formative years were spent in Detroit, where she graduated from University Liggett, a preparatory school in Metro Detroit. After completing her studies at Princeton University in 1992, she went on to earn a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan, where she also met and fell in love with her husband, Charlie.

Kelly was a chef savant who regularly created recipes that earned accolades such as Sutter Home's Build a Better Burger in which her recipe for a shrimp burger won best alternative burger and is featured in their commemorative cookbook. She also spent years perfecting baked goods and authored a cookie cookbook and founded the Blue Freckle Bakery.

Her true love was being a dedicated beagle mom to an enormous pack of beagles throughout her life.

Those who knew and loved Kelly will fondly recall and forever miss her great sense of humor, infectious laugh and quick wit -- qualities she embodied up until her last breath.

She leaves behind her husband of nearly 26 years, Charlie Krauss, her mother, Penny Bailer, and her brother Ryan Bailer and his partner Tatiana Lascu. Kelly was a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews. Her beloved Beagles graced her life and she was a proud Dog Mom over the years to Snicker, Bella, Lola and the late Ms. Adelaide, Freckle, Blue and Doodle.

Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life at The Groton Inn, 128 Main Street, Groton, MA from 1 to 4 pm on Friday, April 4, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kelly's honor may be made to heifer.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.