Janet Elizabeth Kelly
Janet (Jan) Elizabeth Kelly, 70, of Edmonton, AB, passed away on July 23, 2024 after a recent diagnosis of cancer. Jan was born on Aug 24, 1953 to Edward and Beatrice Harbron in Fort William, Thunder Bay, ON. After Jan graduated from Fort William Collegiate Institute in 1972, she went on to study at Winnipeg Bible College where she met her future husband, Jim Kelly. They were married in 1975. Jan and Jim went on to have 2 children, Jennifer Joyce Porritt (Clinton) and Justina Patricia de Groot (Joshua).
A joy of Jan’s life was spending time with children. Jan completed her Early Childhood Diploma from Lethbridge Community College. After a long career working in Early Childhood Education at various day homes, daycares and preschools, Jan retired in 2015 but continued to enjoy spending time with her 5 grandchildren: Maia Porritt, Samuel Porritt, Ember Porritt, Elizabeth de Groot and Adelaide de Groot.
Jan was an excellent example of love, dedication and loyalty, demonstrated by her selfless care of her husband Jim through many years of illness, visiting him every day in hospital or continuing care. She was a generous and helpful friend to many.
Jan was predeceased by her husband Jim Kelly, father Edward Harbron, mother Beatrice Harbron, brother Philip Harbron, and father-in- law Lorne Kelly. She is survived by her sister Patricia Hutton, brother Robert Harbron, mother-in-law Joyce Kelly, and by her children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kids Kottage because of her love of children.
Celebration of Life
Steele Heights Baptist Church
5812 - 149 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Saturday, July 27th, 2024 at 1:00 pm
I’m sending my condolences to the family and I’m really going to miss your mom Jan Kelly we were very very close friends and I’m been with your mom and helping her out we been together too I’m really going miss your mom Jan Kelly may God be with you in this difficult time
One of my favourite memories of auntie Janet is when David and I drove across Canada with Emma, Josiah and Hudson with her and she asked me if there’s something wrong with the kids cause they’re so quiet. That was a fun journey 😊
We all loved her ❤️ Erin
So very sorry thaT your the daughters and their famils have lost mother,grandmother, sister,and sis in law dear Jan to the h orrors b of dancer.i met while attending ladies Tuesday Bible study at SHBC. My husband and I were in the same group that Jan and her husband Jim joined .
I know you girls are going to really miss your mom. I’ve known Jan since 1996. She was a wonderful part of our ladies Group. She had a lovely sense of humour and I always enjoyed having a conversation with her. I never dared to have a scrabble game with her. She will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to you girls and your families. I will have you in my prayers and thoughts as you go through the next days.
In honour of our mother, Jan Kelly, we are starting this fundraiser for Kids Kottage, an organization that is dear to the hearts of both her daughters. Jan loved children and worked with them her entire career.
Here is a link to the fundraiser:
https://kidskottage.org/?form=FUNBQQTEUFP&fundraiser=NEKXMNMC&member=SGHMHSLD
My condolences Jennifer, Justina and your families, Jan’s mother-in-law, Pat, Robert and all who loved her. I have fond memories of our cousin visits while growing up.
Our experience with Jan over the years was one of interacting with a genuine, warm lady who always put others first. She has left you with a legacy to emulate and celebrate. We are sorry you have to undergo the loss that this separation brings. May the Lord walk that journey with you.
Jan was in our Life Group at SHBC until she wasn’t able to attend any longer. She was a very sweet lady and gentle soul. I sat with her on the bus during a church seniors trip to Pegs Garden and she came well equipped with photos of her wedding and life with her dear husband Jim. As widows it was a joy to talk about the love we had had for our departed spouses and how much we miss them but then share how the Lord was our strength, ever present help and comfort. My deepest Sympathy, praying for comfort and peace for the family.
🙏🏻💞🌺