Jane Kageleiry, 85, of Derry, NH, passed away Sunday April 6, 2025. She was a lifelong resident of Derry. Jane was a 1957 graduate of Pinkerton Academy where she was a varsity athlete and an artist starring in several school plays. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Elinor (Caldwell) Ross who were also residents of Derry and graduates of Pinkerton Academy.
Jane graduated from Keene State Teacher’s College in 1961. A lifelong educator, she began her career in Salem, NH where she taught high school English. She devoted most of her professional career to educating the children of Derry at both Derry Village Elementary School and South Range Elementary School. Known as a “strict but fair” classroom teacher, Jane was sought after by parents and loved by her students. She had a positive influence over the lives of many hundreds of young people. Jane retired from teaching in 1997.
Jane met the love of her life, Peter Kageleiry, Sr., when they were both undergraduates at Keene State. They married in Derry in August 1961. Peter was also a lifelong educator. They raised their family in Derry and were active in youth sports, the Boys and Girls Club, Boy and Girl Scouts as well as town meetings. Jane had an avid interest in the history and culture of the country and the world. She organized the family’s annual summer camping trips to nearly every region of the country. Jane especially loved Disney World and the national parks. They drove thousands of miles in their VW camper van creating wonderful memories along the way.
After retiring from education, Jane and Peter devoted their time to their grandchildren and local friends. They wintered in Okeechobee, Florida where they developed a whole new group of friends. Their happy hours were very popular. Jane also volunteered to provide free rides to the elderly in both Derry and Okeechobee. Jane and Peter continued to travel the world including visits to their son’s military family in Italy and Germany. They loved cruising with their daughter’s family and nieces and nephews. Jane’s life was filled with joy.
Jane is survived by her husband, Peter, Sr.; her daughter, Diana Jane Kelleher and husband John of Derry; her son Peter Kageleiry, Jr. and his wife Margaret of Williamsburg, VA; five grandchildren, Ashlie Jane Shea and her husband Brian, Zachary Kelleher, Oliver Kageleiry, Charles Kageleiry and Mia Kageleiry; and two great grandchildren, Riley Jane Shea and Connor Shea. She was predeceased by her brother Eugene W. Ross.
Jane will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery, East Derry, NH just yards from her parents, grandparents, and other family. The family will hold a private burial service on the morning of June 21. The family will host a celebration of Jane’s life at her daughter’s home in Derry. All are welcome to attend the celebration of life beginning at 12:30pm on June 21.