Jane Cronin-Kelley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jane Cronin-Kelley, of Braintree, MA, who left this world on May 13th, 2025, at the age of 95, following a brief illness. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Jane was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time of her passing.

Jane was born on March 11, 1930, and lived a life deeply rooted in faith and love. She was known for her beauty, her love of music and singing, her famous biscotti, and celebrating holidays and life events with her cherished friends and family at her beloved home in Braintree.

Jane grew up in Newton, MA and worked as a bank teller until she married Francis J Cronin on July 3rd, 1952. They had a full, albeit short, life together until his unexpected passing in April of 1978, leaving Jane to care for her five children alone. Never one to wallow in self- pity, Jane set out to carve a new life for herself and became employed at the JFK Library initially as a tour guide and quickly becoming the Events Director of all the social functions that were held there. She loved her time at the Library and it was through one of her close work associates there that she would meet and fall in love with her second husband, the Hon. Richard S Kelley. They were married on June 19, 1993 and from there two families were blended and became one large, loving family.

Jane is survived by her five children: Margaret (Meg) Mackenzie and Kenny of Walpole, Ma, Regina (Gigi) Proman and Joseph of Plymouth, MA. Grace Greene and John of Plymouth, MA. Mark Cronin and Ed Srednicki of Dorchester, MA. and Francis (Chip) Cronin and Christine Zec of Holbrook, MA. She is also survived by her seven step-children: Kathleen Padis (Lex) of Milton, MA., Elizabeth Gallagher of Needham, MA., Richard (Dick) and Day Ann Kelley of Beverly Farms, MA., Paul Kelley and Sam Wercinski of AZ., Barbara and Bruce Wisentaner of Bedford, MA. Lawrence Kelley, of Lynn, MA., and Peter and Roma Kelley of Gloucester, MA. She is also survived by 24 loving and devoted grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who will undoubtedly carry forward Jane's legacy of love and kindness.

She was preceded in death by both of her loving husbands, Francis J Cronin and the Hon. Richard S Kelley. Also preceded in death by her sisters, Nancy Marscher of Needham, MA and Margaret Kleinrock of Walpole, MA. 

Jane's life was filled with faith, love and human connection. There are too many people to mention who impacted her life and filled her heart with joy and happiness but there are a few who deserve mention for the comfort and happiness they provided. Jerry Desmond and Don Norton, her wonderful neighbors, were extraordinary in their compassion and love toward her and for the comfort that their support provided her. Rosie Fleuriot, you came into her life when she needed that extra tender loving care and you provided that with such warmth and love, making sure that her dignity and pride remained intact. She adored you and we are forever in debt to the three of you for your loving attention as life became more challenging for her.

Family and friends are invited to the visiting hours at the Afred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave, Milton on Friday May 16th from 3-7pm.  A Mass and Celebration of her life will be held at St Francis of Assisi Church Washington St. Braintree MA. Saturday, May17th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jane's memory to her favorite charity, My Brother's Keeper, 534 Washington Street, Easton, MA. Holy Cross Retreat House 496 Washington St. N. Easton, MA 02356. 

Although she had a long, vibrant and full life, the loss of Jane leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the memories with her that will be shared for generations to come

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane Cronin-Kelley, please visit our floral store.