Jane Fennelly
New London— Jane Reynolds Detmold Fennelly passed away on Monday, July 20, 2015, at Beechwood Manor in New London.
Jane was born in Chicago on Jan. 4, 1920, one of two daughters of Parker and Catherine (Reynolds) Fennelly, both professional actors. The family moved to Queens, then Tarrytown, before finally settling in Croton-On-Hudson, N.Y., where Jane attended local schools.
After attending Barnard and Albertus Magnus colleges, Jane entered Cornell University, where she graduated in 1941 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. It also was at Cornell that Jane met John Detmold, whom she married in June 1944, after a short career at Cornell University Press and Vogue magazine. Together Jane and John raised four sons while following John’s career from Aurora, N.Y. to Sweetbriar, Va., Oakland, Calif., and finally New London. The couple divorced in 1972, and Jane returned to school earning a master of library science degree from the University of Rhode Island that same year. In 1973, she became the head librarian at TheWilliams School in New London, a position she held for 14 happy years until her retirement in 1986.
An avid reader, Jane had a lifelong love of books and literature. She also found great pleasure in gardening, the theater, and frequent travel.
Jane is survived by her twin sister, Mary Michaelsen of New London, her closest friend and companion for more than 95 years. Jane also is survived by her sons, Michael Detmold of New London and his partner, Lisa Shabel, Peter Detmold of New London and his wife, Martha Conn, David Detmold of Turners Falls, Mass.; her daughter-in-law, Dianne Detmold of Marysville, Calif.; and two grandchildren, Robin and Rose Whitcomb-Detmold. She also is survived by her many cherished friends from TheWilliams School.
Jane was predeceased by her son, Stephen Detmold; her former husband, John; and her great friends and travel companions, Selena Caidin of Pawtucket, R.I. and Mary Barthelson of Mystic.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. onWednesday, July 29, at St. Patrick Church in Mystic, followed by private burial at the family plot in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, N.Y. There are no calling hours.
The family wishes to thank Jane’swonderful caregivers at Academy Point in Mystic, Beechwood Manor in New London, and the Masonicare Home and Health Hospice of East Lyme.
The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home of New London is in charge of arrangements.
To leave a condolence message for the family, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the library or charity of your choice is suggested.