Jane Skelly

Jane Skelly

August 12, 1939 - February 3, 2024

Jane was born in Windber, PA, beloved daughter of Antoni and Bronislawa (Rzepna) Sklodowski; Polish immigrants who came to America seeking a better life. She is the youngest of 14 children. Predeceased by her parents, siblings Joseph, Ann, John, Stanley, Louis, Ben, Anthony, Helen, Mary, Frank, Julie, Michael, and her beloved sister in law Eileen Skelly and brother-in-law, Bob Skelly. Jane is survived by her children, son Thomas E Skelly Jr and daughter in law Karen Skelly, daughter Catherine M Skelly, son Hugh J Skelly and daughter in law Virginia Skelly; grandchildren Natasha M Abelle-Kiser and spouse Blair Kiser, Andrew J. Skelly and spouse Lauren Skelly, Claire N. Skelly, Ethan M. Skelly, great-grandchildren; Siobhan M Abelle-Kiser, Faye M Skelly, Cora Kiser, brother Chester and her life-long friend Pauline DeLuca.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved.

At 21, she married Thomas E. Skelly, Sr and had three children: Tom, Cathy, and Hugh. As her parents had done before, Jane and Thom moved to Maryland seeking better opportunities for their children. 

Once her children were in school Jane began her career in the Montgomery County school system as a cafeteria worker. Due to her work ethic, cheerful spirit, a can-do attitude, and passion for her work she was promoted to cafeteria manager. Her successful management style led to promotion to regional manager, providing meals to county senior centers in addition to feeding the students, staff and faculty at the school housing the senior program. She was active in her professional organization, assuring the next generation of food service workers developed professionalism and pride in their work. She retired in 2001.   

What she did after retirement will cement her legacy as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren called her Grammy. When you think of the ideal grandparent; you, without a doubt, will think of Jane. She loved and supported her grand and great grandchildren fearlessly. At times, taking their side over her own children.  

Grammy was an avid reader, she read everything and sometimes several books at the same time. When the grandchildren were small, she would sit with them and read all their books, teaching them to read and instilling a love of reading. 

Grammy attended games, recitals, Grandparents Days at school, and any other event that was important to her grandchildren. Jane vacationed with her grand and great grandchildren often. She was always there, giving them kisses, telling them she loved them, and providing a shoulder to lean on, when needed. She loved having her grandchildren at her house after school and making dinner for them. These meals hold a special place in the grandchildren’s hearts. Grammy was thrilled to meet her great-grandchildren. She considered them her reward from God. Over the past year Grammy cherished the opportunities to watch her oldest great grand-daughter, Siobhan, when her parent’s took day trips. 

Jane loved her nieces, nephews and their children. She had an extra special relationship with her great-niece Jennifer Casti and was thrilled to be so involved in her life.   She rarely missed an opportunity to spend time with extended family. Once the pandemic ended she promised herself she would not miss another family gathering, and she did not.

Jane led an active spiritual life. She was active in the Sodality at St. Jude’s, St. Andrew’s, and helped to start the Sodality at St. Ignatius of Loyola.  In retirement she joined a local Bible study and became a volunteer Bible Study Teacher, teaching young children about the Bible in a way that fed their curiosity and faith in God. She spent countless hours preparing for her lessons and looking for ways to make her time with the children fun. She loved to talk to children and could relate to them in a way that was inspiring.

People described Jane as a jolly, loving person who did not let her physical health get in the way of loving life and her family.  Her deep faith in God gave her the strength to soldier on in later life continuing to love and care for those in her life. She knew her parents loved her and said that love gave her the strength and self-esteem to get through any hardship. She shared that same love with her family. Those whom she loved should carry her love with them. This was her purpose. For you to know you are loved, you are worthy and valued. Never let anyone tell you differently.  

Jane was a strong woman, full of love, positivity, and a sense of adventure. Her life’s mission was family and a willingness to be and do better. She dedicated her life to her family, the love that she gave every single one of them will live on for generations. Jane is, was, and will be the role model for a life well-lived, one of service, love, and support. We will miss her immensely.   

We now commit her care to God in heaven where she will be loved and kept safe. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of Jane’s favorite charities: 

·    St. Labre Indian School

·    Adopt a Platoon

·    Archdiocese of Baltimore Annual Lenten Appeal

·    St. Joseph’s Indian School

·    St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital