Jane M. "McKennan" Bellinger

Jane Bellinger, 102, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025. She was born on March 29, 1923, in Oakland, California, to John and Myrtle McKennan. Jane was a graduate of Herkimer High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland. She completed postgraduate studies at Syracuse University.

On March 28, 1953, Jane married Donald H. Bellinger at the Herkimer Reformed Church, with Rev. J. Forster Welwood officiating. Jane and Donald enjoyed a devoted union of 64 years until his passing on September 26, 2017. Both Jane and Don, along with their families, were long-time members of the Reformed Church. They made their home in Little Falls, NY, where they lived for 56 years before relocating to Acacia Village on the Masonic Home campus in Utica in 2009.

Jane was a dedicated physical education teacher who spent over 40 years inspiring her students. Long before Title IV, the federal law that mandates equal opportunity for men and women in school athletics, Jane Bellinger committed herself to bringing physical education opportunities to both young men and young women. Thank you, Jane.

She began her career as a physical education teacher in the Ilion, NY, School District, serving for 12 years. Jane also taught swimming part-time at Herkimer High School before transitioning to a full-time role at Little Falls Jr/Sr High School, from where she retired after 26 years of service. In addition to her teaching, she was a certified Red Cross water safety instructor and a nationally rated basketball official.

After retiring, Jane pursued a passion for local history and genealogy, culminating in the publication of her work, The Folts Family Genealogy. She was a life member and volunteer at the Herkimer County Historical Society, and she also served as a charter member and past historian of the New York State Chapter of Palatines to America. Additionally, Jane was previously a board member and membership chair of the Friends of the Herkimer Home Historical Society and a life member of the Indian Castle Restoration and Preservation Society. She was a 71-year member of Chapter 82 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Jane was an avid skier and golfer, enjoying golf into her early 90s. She was a member of the United States Golf Association and held memberships at several golf and ski clubs, including the Cedar Lake Club, the Little Falls Municipal Golf Course, the Pine Hills Ladies Golf League in Frankfort, NY, and the Mohawk Valley Ski Club.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Donna Gardner (Edward) of Albany, NY, and her son, Russell Bellinger (Kathleen Lawrence Bellinger) of Weeki Wachee, FL. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Dr. Katherine Fredlund (Steve Levine) Cary, NC, Kurt Fredlund (Raman) of Sacramento, CA, Karissa Bellinger and Jenna Bellinger of Weeki Wachee, FL, and Russell Bellinger (Erikka) of Homosassa, FL. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Vander Henry Fredlund and Raiya Kaler Fredlund, children of Kurt and Raman; Sadie Bellinger, daughter of Karissa Bellinger; and Evey Bellinger, daughter of Russell and Erikka Bellinger.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff and caregivers at the Masonic Health Pavilion, especially those on the Brooklyn Unit, for the care and comfort they provided to Jane in final 3- years of her life.

Calling hours for family and friends will be held on September 17, 2025, from 10AM-1130AM at the Fenner Funeral Home, Inc, 115 Court Street, Herkimer. A ritualistic service will be held from the funeral home at 1130AM by the Eastern Star, followed by a funeral service with Robert Nasypany, officiating.

In accordance with her wishes, Jane was cremated. Following the service at Fenner Funeral Home for Jane, there will be a combined graveside committal service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer, NY. Her remains, along with those of her late husband Donald, will be interred together. As a touching final tribute to his love for Jane, Donald requested that his committal service be delayed until it could be combined with Jane's. Donald was a member of the US Army Air Corps and will receive military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jane's memory to the Herkimer County Historical Society, an organization that was dear to her heart.