Jane Loring Keltonic (née Degler), age 65, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 15, 2024 surrounded by family and friends after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Boston on April 25, 1959, Jane was the eldest of the three children of Dr. Robert Degler and Carol (Phillips) Degler. Jane was raised in Norwich alongside her two brothers, Scott and Kent Degler. Jane shared a close bond with her brothers, whom she considered as her best friends growing up. Jane attended the Norwich Free Academy where she was a proud member of the gymnastics team. After high school, Jane attended Lyndon State College for one year until welcoming her first child, Ryan Ward, in 1978. In 1980, Jane was reintroduced to Bradley Keltonic, that night he told her that he was going to marry her. The pair married in October of 1982, and completed their family with the addition of their daughter, Julie Keltonic, two years later. Jane was a dedicated wife and mother who without fail, always put the needs of her family above her own. She was the kind of mother who spent hours cutting and gluing posterboard wings so her daughter could be a perfect monarch butterfly for Halloween. She was the kind of wife that after a long day of work would come home and lock eyes with her husband, the worries on her face would melt into the biggest smile.
Jane began her career in the early 1980s, serving as the Office Manager of her father’s dental practice in Norwich until his retirement. Jane then went on to work for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Emergency Medical Services as Assistant Director of EMS. During her time there she was an integral part of the department’s expansion as Foxwoods grew from a bingo hall to the largest casino in America. For the last 26 years, Jane has been an invaluable asset to the Norwich Psychiatric Center as its Business Manager. Despite her desire to retire, Jane continued to work until her final days to ensure the office had a seamless transition.
Jane had an infectiously beautiful smile, and a giggle that could melt even the coldest hearts. She was the kindest of souls with the patience of a saint. Jane had such a love of flowers that she spent the last 34 years designing her landscaping in such a way that flowers would continually bloom everywhere throughout the growing season. Jane loved her koi pond and would delight each time the fish would eat directly from her hand. Jane had a deep appreciation for music, whether it be playing piano in solitude, watching musicals or rooting for her favorite contestants on The Voice. Jane enjoyed most outdoor activities, especially nature walks, birding, and fishing. She adored all animals but had a special place in her heart for her Golden Retrievers, leaving behind her beloved dog, Lacey. One of Jane’s greatest pleasures was getting “wind therapy” riding her 2008 Anniversary Edition Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe; on which she enjoyed many long trips all over the East Coast from Maine to Tennessee with her husband and close friends.
Jane is survived her husband, Bradley Keltonic, and their daughter Julie Keltonic of Norwich; as well as her son Ryan Ward (Leah) of Uxbridge, MA and their three children; her parents, Dr. Robert Degler and Carol Degler; her mother-in-law, Emily Keltonic; her two brothers, Scott Degler (Melanie) and Kent Degler (Sherri); her sister-in-law, Tracy Keltonic; as well as two nieces and a nephew.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 1-3 PM at Filomena’s at 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jane’s memory to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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