Mary Jane McGlinchey Kelly was born on July 17, 1927, in Philadelphia, PA, and died October 17, 2016. She was the only child of U.S. Congressman Herbert McGlinchey and Catherine O’Rourke McGlinchey. Mary Jane attended Chestnut Hill College and the University of Lausanne Switzerland where she met a handsome naval officer. She married James Kelly in April of 1948 and together they raised six children and enjoyed 10 grandchildren. They moved to Longport, New Jersey, in 1960 and a few years later purchased one of the historic hotels in the town. Mary Jane managed The Winchester House which served as a summer hotel and portions of the building were turned into the home for the family. Mary Jane was an early pioneer in women’s running and turned her passion for the sport into a yearly tradition, the Kelly’s Longport Mile held on the Fourth of July. They sponsored the race for 20 years and the tradition lives on now as the American Mile. This race has inspired generations of children to pursue running as a lifelong passion. She completed three marathons and numerous other races. Mary Jane was also an avid tennis player and skier.
Mary Jane served as a delegate to the Democratic Convention in 1976 in New York City. She won the election to be a delegate by two votes and so earned the nickname “Landslide Kelly.” A lifelong Democrat, she had the privilege of meeting John F. Kennedy at his inaugural ball in 1961.
She traveled extensively and one of her favorite trips was a safari to Kenya, Africa.
Her last days were spent with her husband by her side and surrounded by her loving family and friends. Her husband, Jim, the consummate gentleman, led the way to their next journey together. She knew Jim was waiting for her and she followed him a mere 12 hours later.
Services will be announced at a later date. Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
