LAGRANGEVILLE, NY — Jane V.W. Kelly passed away on January 28, 2021 from complications of COVID 19 and kidney disease. Born at Vassar Hospital, July 19, 1929, Jane was the daughter of Marguerite Tarr Van Wickler and Benjamin J. Van Wickler. She was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, class of 1947 and Edgewood Park Junior College in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. After initially meeting on a blind date, on October 9, 1954 she married J. Richard Kelly, the love of her life. She was employed by the First Savings & Loan Association of Poughkeepsie; Dr. Justin Scheer and the First Presbyterian Church of Poughkeepsie. She was a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie.
Jane was a member of First Presbyterian Church from childhood until it merged with the Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church of Lagrangevile, NY. An active participant in church groups throughout her life, she cared deeply for her church family. She was a former member of the Junior League of Poughkeepsie and served for 20 years on the Board of Lady Managers of the Vassar Warner Home.
A lover of mystery novels, knitting, embroidery and crafts, Jane’s guilty pleasure was watching NASCAR races. A highlight was when she got to ride (in a full NASCAR race suit) around the track at Loudon just a few years ago. That photo made for a great holiday card. Jane relished annual trips to Cape Cod’s beaches and lobster rolls at Captain Frosty’s. Politically aware until the end, she was Rachel Maddow’s biggest fan. A consummate homemaker and entertainer, she was always eager to convene her family for birthdays and holidays and to raise a glass in celebration.
She is survived by her children, Marcia Kelly and husband, Barry Harwick of Hanover, NH; Barbara Amyotte and husband Ernest of Lagrangeville, NY; and son, Jay Kelly and wife Amy of Lyme, NH; and six grandchildren Benjamin Harwick (Katie Mascitelli), Michelle Simone, Rebecca Amyotte, Anthony Simone (fiancée Marianna Mangione,) Christopher Harwick and Juliet Kelly. She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband.
A special thank you to the staff of the Lutheran Care Center in Poughkeepsie and Vassar Brothers Medical Center for their care of “Miss” Jane during the pandemic. The kind attention and love you gave our mother is so deeply appreciated. You are all our heroes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, Poughkeepsie. A celebration of Jane’s life will be held when we can safely gather. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an animal protection organization of your choice or to the Beekman Public Library.
For condolences, please visit www.hudsonvalleyfuneralhomes.com