In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, Jean Kelly, 98

Longtime Rumsonite Jean Louise McConnell Kelly passed away peacefully at home on May 22. She was 98.

She was born on May 5, 1927, in New Castle, PA. As an adventurous young woman, she left New Castle following her high school graduation for the University of Minnesota to train as an engineering aide in support of World War II. Following VE Day, she moved to New Jersey and worked at Fort Monmouth.

Soon after moving, she met a young veteran and the love of her life, Bill Kelly, who had recently returned from active duty in Europe. Jean and Bill were married on Aug. 2, 1947.

“Jean and Bill lived in their Rumson home for more than 60 years. They celebrated 75 years of marriage on Aug. 2, 2022, with their children and large extended family.

“Throughout their marriage, Jean was primarily a homemaker. In addition, she worked as a substitute schoolteacher and later as an office manager and bookkeeper for Louis J. Weinstein Carpets in Little Silver.

“She was an active member of the congregation at The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury. At her church, she served as a deacon, was a member of the Mission Belles, the Bell Choir, and coordinated several church ministries, including the Annual Strawberry Festival, the annual calendar collection drive for overseas military members, and more. For many years, she was a poll worker for the Monmouth County Board of Elections, a Girl Scout troop leader, and a Cub Scout den mother.”
Loved ones of Jean McConnell Kelly in her obituary

Jean was predeceased by: her parents, Louise Elsie Kindler McConnell and William Norman “Mac” McConnell; her brothers, William Cargill and Fred Norman McConnell; her husband, Bill; and her daughter, Janet Eileen Kelly Lundquist.

She is survived by: her children, Jill (Paul) Drew, Jeffrey (Mary) Kelly, Joy (Gregory) Stiles; her son-in-law, Fred Lundquist; her eight grandchildren; and by her 11 great- grandchildren.

The family would especially like to thank all the staff of Brandywine the Gables in Brick, and the staff of Dove Hospice Services for their sensitive care and their many kindnesses.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury, 352 Sycamore Ave, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702. Burial will follow the service in the Shrewsbury Presbyterian Cemetery, Shrewsbury. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury or to the charity of your choice.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home