Mary Jane (Clancey) Kelley

SALEM — Mary Jane Kelley (née Clancey), age 91, passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Salem on January 12th, 1935, to the late William and Suzanne (née Maguire) Clancey, Mary Jane (MJ) was a lifelong resident of the city she loved.

After graduating from Emmanuel College, she joined the management training program at Filene’s Department Stores, quickly rising through the ranks. She later channeled her expertise into a fulfilling, decades-long career at Endicott College as a professor of Retailing, Marketing, and Fashion History. Her dedication earned her the title of Professor Emeritus and the prestigious Teacher of the Decade award. As a lifelong enthusiast of fashion history, she also spent many years as a docent at the Peabody Essex Museum, meticulously cataloging countless items for their collections and exhibits.

MJ lived life to the fullest. A true woman for all seasons, she loved sports, especially tennis and skiing. She treasured her many visits to Italy and hosting dinner parties with her great circle of friends. On occasion, she also enjoyed a Dewar's and soda.

Of all her joys in life, her greatest was her family. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and leaves behind a legacy of love. Mary Jane is survived by her two sons and their families: Christopher and Julie Kelley and their children, Fiona and Ronan, of Milton, MA; and Greg and Emma Kelley and their children, Maeve, Annabelle, and Finn, of New Zealand. She is also survived by her brother, William Clancey, and his wife, Jane, of Peabody, MA, as well as a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Clancey, and her former husband, Stephen E. Kelley.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Mary Jane’s funeral Mass to be held at the Immaculate Conception Church – Mary, Queen of the Apostles Parish, 15 Hawthorne Blvd., Salem on Monday, August 24th at 12 noon. Visiting hours at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals - Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, (at Salem Common) SALEM, Monday, August 24th prior to the Mass, from 10 to 11:30 AM. Burial will be a private and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Mary Jane’s memory to the Peabody Essex Museum - my.pem.org/donate/i/pemannualfund. To share a memory or offer condolences please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.