Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale, the wife of the notorious American convicted felon and author Frank Abagnale, has led a remarkable life. With a loving marriage spanned 47 years and three children to their name, Kelly’s story is one of resilience and enduring love. Let’s delve into the life of this remarkable woman.
Age of Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale
She was born in the United States of America in 1954. Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale is 69 years old as of the date of writing. In 2023, she celebrated her 69th birthday.
A Stable Upbringing
Kelly Anne Welbes was born in 1954 in Texas to Maxine C. Rust Welbes and Louis A. Welbes. Her childhood was marked by stability, as her parents shared 62 years of marriage until her father’s passing. Kelly, of white ethnicity and American nationality, was the only daughter among three siblings, with brothers Tim Welbes and Robert Welbes.
Although details about her education remain scarce, it is known that Kelly attended a Catholic institution for high school. Her pursuit of knowledge continued, culminating in a master’s degree in child psychology. Her career, albeit not extensively documented, briefly involved the fashion industry.
Before her fateful encounter with Frank Abagnale, whose notoriety would later be immortalized in the film “Catch Me If You Can,” Kelly Anne Welbes led a quiet and private life.
A Fateful Meeting
Frank Abagnale and Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale crossed paths while he was working undercover for the government, posing as a social worker during Kelly’s internship for her master’s degree. Before this, Frank typically kept his distance from colleagues, completing his assignments and leaving promptly. However, when he met Kelly, everything changed.
Their connection deepened, and Frank revealed his true identity and the nature of his work—a pivotal moment in their relationship. Although Kelly’s parents initially resisted their union due to Frank’s federal prison record and lack of formal education, love prevailed. In 1976, just a year after their first encounter, they exchanged vows in a modest church ceremony.
A Family of Five
The union between Kelly and Frank Abagnale blossomed into a family of five, with the couple blessed with three children: Scott Abagnale, Chris Abagnale, and Sean Abagnale. While specific birthdates remain private, it is known that all three attended Monte Cassino School and Bishop Kelley High School.
Scott Abagnale followed in his father’s footsteps, working as an FBI agent. Chris Abagnale pursued a business career, co-owning the House of Sage Boutique, a fashion outlet on George Street in Charleston. The youngest, Sean Abagnale, ventured to China, where he led his life and became proficient in Mandarin, working as a teacher.
Despite living in different places, the Abagnale brothers maintained a close bond shaped by their father’s life experiences and the absence of physical punishment in their upbringing.
A Lasting Partnership
Despite the controversies surrounding Frank’s life, his marriage to Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale remained rock solid. Frank’s childhood, marred by his parent’s divorce, had left him sceptical about marriage. However, his relationship with Kelly stabilized his tumultuous life, motivating him to change his ways.
Their journey included Frank’s incarcerations for various crimes, including check forgery, which resulted in a 10-year prison sentence, later extended by two years for a jailbreak. In 1974, he was released on parole after serving only two years.
Throughout their many years together, Kelly and Frank shared a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for 25 years to seek privacy amidst Frank’s tumultuous life. Eventually, they considered relocating to Charleston, South Carolina, a move they made briefly before returning to Tulsa for a short period. Ultimately, they settled in Charleston, where Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale and her husband, Frank Abagnale Jr., continue to reside.
Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale’s unwavering support and enduring love have been pivotal in Frank Abagnale’s journey, making their partnership a testament to the power of love and resilience.
Kelly’s story serves as a reminder that behind every captivating tale, there are individuals who provide unwavering support and love, enriching the narrative with their unique journey. In the case of Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale, her love story with Frank Abagnale is a testament to the enduring power of love and resilience.
