Jean Louise McConnell Kelly, 98, passed away peacefully at home May 22, 2025. She was born May 5, 1927, in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
As an adventurous young woman, she left New Castle after her high school graduation to attend the University of Minnesota, where she trained as an engineering aide in support of World War II. Following VE Day, she moved to New Jersey, where she was employed at Fort Monmouth. Soon after moving, she met a young veteran and the love of her life, William J. “Bill” Kelly, who had recently returned from active duty in Europe. Jean and Bill were married Aug. 2, 1947.
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, among others. 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.
Jean and Bill lived in their Rumson home for over 60 years. On Aug. 2, 2022, they celebrated 75 years of marriage with their children and large extended family.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, Louise Elsie Kindler McConnell and William Norman “Mac” McConnell; by her brothers, William Cargill and Fred Norman McConnell; by her husband Bill; and by 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 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 from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 30, at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury, 352 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury. 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.
The article originally appeared in the May 29 – June 4, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
