Jane Kelly Obituary

The article titled "Meet the many faces of Jane Kelly", published in a local newspaper nearly 35 years ago, was aptly named then and even more fitting today. A loving mother, grandmother, sibling, and friend, Jane was also a professional model, published writer, college professor, corporate leadership trainer, and a Director at Cox Communication's Autotrader.com. Jane was an extraordinary multi-faceted woman who embodied a special blend of warmth and ambition, and whose personal and professional talents and accomplishments will continue to be remembered and celebrated by many.

Jane passed away peacefully on the evening of September 4, 2025, at the age of 78, feeling the love of her family and friends. Born in Rochester on June 19, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Ferdinand and Marie Smith.

Jane was a devoted mother to her twin children, John Kelly Jr. (Sara) and Molly Kelly Wiegel (Parr), and a cherished grandmother to Griffin and Delaney Wiegel, and Julia and Lyla Kelly. One of six children, Jane is also survived by her treasured siblings: Paula Howk, Margaret Hughes (Fred), Ferdinand Smith (Elaine), Gregory Smith, and Guy Smith (Isabelle); her former husband and father of her children, Jack Kelly; stepchildren, Hans Napravnik and Kirsten McCray and her family; many loving nieces and nephews; and countless extended family members and precious friends.

Jane was predeceased by her second husband, Charles Napravnik; her parents; her brother-in-law Ted Howk; and sister-in-law Shari Smith.

A passionate animal lover, Jane shared her life with many beloved pets over the years. Most recently, she doted on her dachshund, Georgia, who brought her immense joy and is now in the loving care of dear friends Tommy and Angie. Jane's former canine companions and feline friends are likely on a heavenly walk with her now.

Jane was raised in Pittsford, NY, and attended St. Louis School, Our Lady of Mercy, and Rush-Henrietta High School, where she was crowned a Monroe County Harvest Queen. After high school, she began her career as an executive assistant at Xerox Corporation, soon earned a position in their public relations department, and was voted Rochester Sales Queen by the Chamber of Commerce. It was during this time that Jane met her first husband, Jack, and together they welcomed their beloved twins.

Following a decade career as a professional print and runway model, Jane earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English. She taught college writing and short fiction at SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Brockport, where she met her second husband, Charles. Jane later transitioned into corporate training, working with WorkSmart and Ardent as an instructional designer and facilitator for clients including Volvo, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

In 2004, Jane relocated to Atlanta, GA, where she served as Director of Training & Development at AutoTrader.com. There, she led the creation and delivery of educational programs for sales professionals and directed a leadership development program for high-potential managers. Her engaging teaching style and ability to inspire others left a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike. Jane retired in 2013 and moved to Sarasota, FL until her cancer diagnosis brought her back to her roots and family in Upstate New York.

Jane will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, gigantic heart, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. She found joy in her children's and grandchildren's adventures, cherished time with her siblings, and delighted in dining out, attending mass, strolling the farm, and reflecting by the water. She loved traveling-especially her pilgrimage to Israel, winters in South Carolina, and spontaneous day trips. Jane had a flair for curating meaningful gifts, displaying treasures at her Ontario Mall booth, and indulging in hot baths and a cold chardonnay at bedtime. Jane was also a proud Buffalo Bills fan.

Her humor, warmth, and positivity were constants-even in the face of two incurable cancers. Jane often said, "Well, it could be worse," to which her daughter would lovingly reply, "Stop saying that; it is getting worse!" True to her fiercely independent nature, Jane took her last breath when her family briefly stepped out of the room-reaching for God's hand in her own quiet way.

In her final days, Jane still smiled, laughed, and blew kisses to visitors and hospital staff, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and inspiration.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on October 4th at St. Thomas More Church, 2617 East Avenue, Rochester, NY. A celebration of life reception will be held at a nearby location (to be announced) immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Team Triumph CF (https://triumphcf.charity), a nonprofit founded by Jane's granddaughter Julia and inspired by Julia's younger sister and Jane's granddaughter, Lyla, who lives with cystic fibrosis. Donations support Children's National Hospital and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in their mission to find a cure.

Jane's family extends heartfelt thanks to the palliative and hospice teams at Highland Hospital for their expert and compassionate care.

"The suffering I have experienced these past [10+] years has brought me closer to Jesus Christ… He wraps His arms around me. He gives me Peace and Joy. He sits across from me at meal times. He speaks to me, and I try hard, with human ears, to listen." (Jane Kelly, God's Only Nose, 120).