Jane Claire McKernan Pelletier, a resident of Manchester, CT since April 2007 and formerly a longtime resident of Storrs, CT, died December 17, 2008. She was born February 5, 1924 in Hartford, CT, living there and in West Hartford, CT and Springfield Gardens, NY until she entered the University of Connecticut in 1941 where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. She earned a B.S in zoology and geology in 1945. During and after her college years she was employed at the UConn Dairy Extension Department, Hartford Special Machinery Co., the Children's Museum of Hartford, the UConn Forestry Department, and the Connecticut State Department of Fisheries and Game. She married Charles James Pelletier at St Thomas the Apostle Church, West Hartford, CT October 26, 1946. In 1949 they began work on their home in Storrs, CT, moving in May 1951. Jane combined raising a large family with a long-term commitment to volunteerism. Organizations that have benefited from her commitment include: the Girl Scouts of America (recipient of 50-year pin); St Thomas Aquinas Church, Storrs, CT (of which she was a charter member); The Trouping Theater, Storrs, CT; Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA; the Mansfield Historical Society, Mansfield, CT; and the Windham Textile and History Museum, Willimantic, CT. Jane and her husband Charles enjoyed numerous trips throughout New England, the eastern U.S. and Canada attending Elderhostels and following the trail of clues to their family genealogy. Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Charles James Pelletier, her mother and father, Elizabeth Jane Baudin McKernan and Francis Arthur McKernan, her daughter Jeanne Marie Pelletier, and her grand-daughter Shannon Jean Baudin. She is survived by her brother, Edward Francis McKernan, her children James P. Pelletier of Massachusetts, Stephen C. Pelletier of Connecticut, Laurie J. McCaughey of New Mexico, Suzanne C. Pelletier of New Mexico, David M. Pelletier of Connecticut, Mary L. Pelletier-Hunyadi of New York, Thomas E. Pelletier of Connecticut, Elizabeth A. Wyatt of Connecticut and John J. Pelletier of Connecticut, twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for 10:30AM, December 29, 2008 at Church of the Assumption in Manchester, CT. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Jane M. Pelletier to your favorite charity. For online condolences please visit www.tiernefuneralhome.com.