Kelly M. Soboslai, 56

Kelly Margaret (Emerson) Soboslai, born on Sept. 10, 1969, to Barbara (Glines) Emerson and Francis “Frank” Emerson, was a lifelong member of St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, now the Episcopal Mission of Franklin. She served as an acolyte throughout her childhood, serving for over 20 years. Kelly was a delegate to Episcopal convention and worked at the Diocesan House in Concord for a brief time. She served her church as a clerk and deputy treasurer. Whenever a fundraising event was held by her church, she was always there to represent and successfully collect donations for helping those in need. Kelly remained very involved with her church until her passing on June 21, 2026.

Kelly grew up in Franklin, and attended Franklin schools. She was an active participant in Special Olympics and graduated from Franklin High School, class of 1989. She met her husband, Rob Soboslai, in high school, as Rob says, “love at first slam,” when she accidentally swung open her locker door and hit Rob in the face. Truly high school sweethearts, they dated through her junior and senior years and for 10 more years until they married in 1999.

With Kelly’s lifelong health issues, she successfully weathered a high-risk pregnancy, and Rob and Kelly welcomed their son RJ into the world in 2003. Rob and Kelly’s mom helped Kelly care for RJ during infancy, while Kelly fought her way back to walking mobility. RJ grew up in a loving family who showed him faith, hope and love through good parenting and church attendance and activities. RJ followed in his mother’s footsteps, serving as an acolyte.

Throughout RJ’s life, Kelly was a devoted mom and household manager. For about a year Kelly enjoyed working part time for Whedon’s Photography Studio. Kelly and Rob always wholeheartedly supported RJ’s participation in and love of theater and music. After promoting ticket sales to everyone she knew, no matter what role her son played, Kelly could always be seen in a front row seat at the Franklin Opera House.

Kelly’s spirit and love will truly be missed by her family, her church, the Opera House and the greater Franklin community.

A celebration of her life will be held at St. Jude’s/the Episcopal Mission of Franklin, at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 26. In lieu of flowers, please give generously to the Episcopal Mission of Franklin, 237 Central St., Franklin, NH 03235, so that they may carry on with the work that was so important to Kelly.