KOEN, MARY JANE

KOEN, MARY JANE
Mary Jane Koen, (nee Smith, formerly Kelly) 97 – Long time resident of the Wissahickon/Manayunk area of Philadelphia and later Avalon, New Jersey. Mary Jane (MJ to some) was a proud graduate of the 1945 class of St. John the Baptist Girls High School; and is one of the last surviving members of her class.
Mary Jane worked as a dental assistant in Chestnut Hill while living in Wissahickon, raising her two children whom she shared with her former spouse, the late Jack Kelly. A close friend introduced her to Joe Koen, who would become her second husband, and love of her life, for 28 years until his passing in 2004. The two lived out their later years at the Jersey Shore and enjoyed their time traveling, occasionally playing golf, rescuing and caring for numerous stray cats, and making good friends through church, social clubs and community recreational activities.
After Joe's passing, she proudly maintained an independent lifestyle and social life. Mary Jane was a dedicated bowler into her early 90's. She also loved reading, doing crossword puzzles, keeping an immaculate home and hosting her grandchildren each summer.
Mary Jane was the daughter of Anna and Andrew Smith. She was predeceased by her sister Anna 'Nan' Farrell (Harry), and brothers Edward Smith (Betty) and Aaron Smith (Catherine). She is survived by her children Kathleen Nace and Jack Kelly (Darlene). She was stepmother to the late Betsy Morris (Dan), and late Kathy Lauf (Frank); aunt to Chris Smith (Leeanne); grandmother of eleven, great grandmother of fourteen and great-great grandmother of one.
Services will be Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Brendan The Navigator Parish, Maris Stella Church, 50th Street and Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Cape May County Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Cape May County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.
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