GLENS FALLS – Jean Collins McGregor Kelleher left her earthly home on May 15, 2022, taking with her many unforgettable memories, some bittersweet and some delightful treasures. They shaped who she was. So many loved ones touched her heart and made her trip in life a beautiful adventure.
Jean Ida Collins was born April 10, 1934, to the late Myrtle and Allen Collins. She was their 7th child and 2nd girl. Jean was born in Kingsbury but grew up in Glens Falls. Jean attended Abraham Wing school where she earned an American Legion award for 8th grade girl. She graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1951, earning her Honor Society pin at graduation. She was also awarded an American Legion ribbon for the best essay history “The 6 Most Outstanding Presidential Elections.” In 1953 she graduated from Suny Cobleskill with an A.A.S. Degree and orange key. Her oldest brother, Homer, helped her parents send her to college. She was an Alpha Sigma Delta and Theta Gamma Sweetheart and her future husband was campus king. In 1955 she married her college sweetheart, Peter McGregor, and they were blessed with 4 precious children. In 1982 Peter died tragically, leaving the family shattered. Grandma said you have 4 good reasons to go on, and with love and support, we survived. In 1986, Jean remarried David Kelleher, who was also widowed and recovering from a happy marriage to Margaret Kelleher. They had 3 loving children and 2 granddaughters. After we all adjusted, life was good and family times returned. In 2012 we lost Dave tragically to cancer. Dave showed much strength, faith, and humor during a 3-year battle. He left us trying to follow his example to go on.
In 1995 Jean retired from Nynex after working 37 years for the company. She called it her dream job and had many friends there. Jean was Telephone Pioneer of the year in 1983. The Pioneers staged fashion shows where the profits went to local children with serious health problems. During retirement Jean working at Glens Falls Hospital as a sitter where she met many dedicated people.
Jean taught church school at the Church of the Messiah and helped put on several Christmas pageants. She loved writing poetry, her union, the C.W.A., politics, Red Sox, making poetic posters for people at the special time in their life, swimming in her backyard pool early a.m. into the fall, making fudge, spending time with all her family and extended family.
Besides her parents, Jean was predeceased by her first spouse, Peter McGregor; her second spouse, David Kelleher; her son, Brian McGregor; as well as many brothers, sisters, nephews & nieces.
Jean is survived by her 1st marriage by son Bruce & daughter-in-law Mary Ann McGregor; son, Brett McGregor; daughter, Pam & son-in-law Alex Labrum; grandsons Jared & Brandon Labrum. Through her 2nd marriage she is survived by son, Dan (Sue) Kelleher, daughter Colleen (Scott) Cushing & daughter, Kathy Smith; granddaughter Jackie (Scott) Cordell & Cassandra (Colin) Donnaruma; and many nephews and nieces whom she loved dearly.
A graveside service will be held 10 a.m., on Thursday, May 19th, 2022, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Jean. From reading her obituary, she was quite the extraordinary woman. I had a few occasions of meeting her and she was always very sweet & you could tell how much she loved her family. May she rest in peace and be in the presence of other family members who have passed on.
The world lost the sweetest lady ever. We had such a good time as co-workers at the phone company. Jean will be missed by many. RIP
Jean was a kind, caring and helpful woman in so many ways. She was so much fun to talk to and very inspiring. I feel blessed for having known her. My deepest condolences to her entire family.
She was a strong woman that always did her best. I loved working and being with her at the Church of the Messiah. Her smile will be missed. Please accept my condolences.
She was the sweetest, most kind, loving and caring person I have ever known. I feel honored that I knew her! My mother thought the world of her too! My condolences to the entire family!
Jean was one of the sweetest people I ever knew! She was such a helpful coworker when I started at New York Telephone.. Thoughts and prayers to Brett ,Alex and the rest of her family. Hugs Cindi Britt
I always so enjoyed Jean when we both worked with the Sunday School at Church of the Messiah. She was always so positive and had a smile for everyone. My prayers are with her family. May she RIP.