Janet M Finegan Kelly

June 30, 1961 - April 21, 2024

BOISE, Idaho - With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Janet Finegan-Kelly of Boise. Janet peacefully departed this world on April 21, 2024, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Janet was born on June 30, 1961, in New Rochelle, New York, to Francis and Helene Finegan. She grew up in a close-knit family as the youngest of six siblings with whom she forged lifelong bonds and cherished memories.

Janet earned a bachelor's degree in biology from SUNY Albany and had a fulfilling career first, as a medical researcher committed to studying Alzheimer's Disease at Cornell University - Burke Research Institute in New York, where her work on the disease was published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, the Annals of Neurology. Her career eventually led her to chemistry and a position as a chemist and the lab manager for the City of Boise's West Boise Water Renewal Facility. For over three decades, Janet led the lab with wisdom and dedication benefitting the health of the community and the environment. As the manager, she also helped build a state-of-the-art lab at the facility.

Janet's commitment to improving the lives of others through science and her deep love of learning was reflected during her resilient and fearless battle with lymphoma. Outside of enduring countless treatments, Janet selflessly donated her personal time and body to lymphoma research knowing any advancements in this research would not benefit her.

Janet was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family more than anything else. Janet shared 41 years of unconditional love, loyalty, and support with her husband, Mike. Together they weathered life's challenges with grace while building a home filled with warmth and laughter. Janet was the perfect mom to her two children, Shannon, now an attorney, and Keenan, now a hockey coach, as they grew up. She indulged all their passions and cheered them on in all their endeavors. Janet then became the epitome of a doting grandmother, and her grandson, Jack, was her pride and joy. She cherished the special bond they shared and every moment she spent with him.

Janet's warmth extended beyond her immediate family, as she possessed an innate gift for spreading happiness and comfort. Her intellect, wit, and warmth endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She made people feel valued and appreciated, and her famous hugs served as a tangible marker of her unconditional love, compassion, and empathy.

Janet's memory is cherished by her husband, Mike Kelly; her children, Shannon (Bryan) Graham and Keenan Kelly; her adoring grandson, Jack Graham; her siblings, Carol Finegan, Denise (Mamen) Mathew, Elaine (Ronald) Wendlinger, and Donna (Ken) Finegan-Steinauer; several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives she touched in profound ways.

Janet will be reunited with family who have passed including her father, Francis Finegan; mother, Helene Finegan; and brothers Brian Finegan and Daniel Finegan.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the St. Luke's Cancer Institute in Boise for their knowledgeable and compassionate care of Janet and her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke's Cancer Institute at https://www.stlukesonline.org/health-services/service-groups/cancer-care-at-st-lukes-cancer-institute/make-a-donation-to-st-lukes-cancer-institute in memory of Janet Finegan-Kelly.

Janet's life will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on June 9, 2024 at Stone Crossing Event Center, 9600 W. Brookside Ln., Boise, Idaho. Information regarding the event is located at: https://pp.events/aaN1y9Wd. All are welcome to attend. The favor of a reply is not necessary but would be appreciated by May 25. Please also feel free to forward and/or share this link.

Until we meet again, our sweet Janet, Mommy, Nana Jan: you are deeply missed and eternally loved. Your brilliance, perseverance, and compassion will always inspire us.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Statesman on May 12, 2024.