Susan B. Kellom – Obituary

Susan Bulkley Kellom, aged 78, of Alexandria, VA, passed away on April 11, 2026, at Capital Care Hospice after a brief illness. Born on August 12, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Wilbur Bulkley and Thomasena Schilder Bulkley, Susan’s life was defined by service, kindness, dedication, and strength. After graduating from Gettysburg College, she spent 15 years in service to her country as a U.S. Army officer, and later devoted herself to causes close to her heart as a political activist and community volunteer. At the center of Susan’s life was her deep love and devotion to her husband, Bernard K. Kellom, Jr. Her second love was community service and politics. As Chair of the Alexandria Democratic Party Committee from 1999 to 2010, she guided the party from being competitive into a position of strong dominance. She next became the appointed chair of the Alexandria Electoral Board, overseeing the city’s registrar’s office and electoral process. Susan brought people together, supported volunteers and candidates, and mentored many others. Susan served on multiple local boards including the Alexandria Human Rights Commission, serving as the chairperson for two terms. Kellom’s civic involvement spanned decades and touched nearly every corner of public life. She was a member of the Alexandria Commission for Women from 1997 to 2013, and later served on the board of the Friends of the Alexandria Commission for Women. She also served on the Alexandria Youth Policy Commission from 1997 to 2003 and was a longtime member of the Alexandria Human Rights Commission, including two terms as chair. Susan was also an unwavering and fierce supporter of the Metrostage, working tirelessly to bring the new Metrostage to fruition. Through every chapter of her life, she was known for her integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to helping others, and especially within her community of Alexandria, VA. She is survived by her brother, David Bulkley and Mary Bulkley (sister-in-law), and her stepdaughters, Janet McMahon and Theresa Kellom; and her stepson, Bernard Kellom. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Thomasena Bulkley, her husband, Bernard K. Kellom, Jr and her stepson, Michael Kellom. Susan will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be determined. A gathering of Susan’s family and friends will be held at her home at 719 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA, on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 3 pm.