Jean Louise McConnell Kelly, 98, passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2025. 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 NJ 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 on August 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, 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.
Jean and Bill lived in their Rumson home for over 60 years. They celebrated 75 years of marriage on August 2, 2022, 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, by her son-in-law Fred Lundquist, by her eight grandchildren, and by her eleven great grandchildren.
The family would especially like to thank all the staff of Brandywine the Gables in Brick, NJ, and the staff of Dove Hospice Services for their sensitive care and their many kindnesses.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 30th from 4-7 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 11 am at The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury, 352 Sycamore Ave, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702. Burial will follow the service in the Shrewsbury Presbyterian Cemetery, Shrewsbury, NJ. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury or to the charity of your choice.
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