Jane M. Burns Kelly

BARRE - Jane Margaret Burns Kelly, 101, of Woodland Drive, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, surrounded by family at home.

Born on her family farm on April 20, 1923, in Pinckney, NY, Jane was the daughter of George and Grace (McCormick) Burns (not to be confused with the vaudeville and television husband and wife comedy duo). She grew up in Tughill (Lowville), NY where she attended a one-room schoolhouse with her three sisters for elementary school and graduated from Lowville Academy in Lowville, NY in 1941.

Jane worked most of her life. She began working at a thermometer company after graduating from high school. During WWII Jane traveled by train to California with a female friend where she trained as a telephone operator for six months before returning to Watertown. Upon returning home, she continued working for “Ma Bell” at the telephone company.

Jane loved to dance! She often said she would rather dance than eat. On June 9, 1951, she married Thomas A. Kelly in Watertown, NY. Following their marriage, they made their home in Watertown, NY. Jane continued to work at the telephone company while in Watertown, raising her five children until they moved to Barre, VT in 1965. She took a short reprieve from working but went back to work in the 1970’s until she retired in 2011 at 88 years old. Jane took great pride in her family throughout her life. In addition to her husband, five children and their families, Jane loved spending time with all her sister’s families and her husband’s brothers’ family. Family was very important to Jane, and always wanted everyone to be close, even if there were differences of opinion. There is a Red Sox vs Yankee rivalry throughout the family.

She was always physically active; Jane loved to walk and be outdoors. She took interest in others’ lives and never focused on her age. Jane followed the advice of Barre’s own Dr. Javis on using apple cider vinegar and honey. Jane had many, many friends throughout her life. She had a knack for drawing people in and making them all feel important.

Jane was an independent woman with a humble faith. She often said when any of her friends or family were dealing with life’s challenges, ‘put it in God’s hands.’ She was a very active parishioner with St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre, VT.

Survivors include her children John Thomas Kelly (Darlene Kelly), Thomas Michael Kelly (Aeletha Kelly), Michael Joseph Kelly (Shelly Kelly), Grace Anne Kelly (Annie Brabazon) and Mary Jane Kelly Steward (Thad Steward); her ten grandchildren and three great- grandchildren and 19 nieces and nephews.

In addition to parents, sisters, sister/brothers-in-laws, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas A. Kelly, her granddaughter Kathleen Alison Kelly, and nephews Michael Ford and David Cheney.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre. Family and friends may call on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Vermont Catholic Charities

www.vermontcatholic.org/ministries-programs/catholic-charities/

Or

Tender Loving Homecare

www.tenderlovinghomecarellc.com/