Mary Jane Shelly went home to be with the Lord on December 26, 2025. She was born on March 4, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Walter and Maria Taylor. In 1955, she married Vernon Shelly, with whom she shared many years of life and devotion until his passing in 1993. Mary Jane is survived by her three daughters: Kathryn Kjeldgaard and her husband Steven Kjeldgaard, Karen Kjeldgaard and her husband Michael Kjeldgaard, and Colleen Selby. She was a beloved grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, deeply invested in the lives of each generation of her family. Her career spanned many experiences. She began working in The Bon Marché Tea Room in 1943 at only 13 years old and later retired from her position in Safeway's inventory control in 1986. Mary Jane had an adventurous spirit that led her to travel extensively, visiting many countries and journeying across the United States to spend time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was a fiercely loyal friend, spouse, mother and grandmother. Her faithfulness to the Lord, strength of character, and loving, nurturing spirit inspired many. The care and guidance she gave to her daughters, the intentional time and affection she poured into her family, leave behind a legacy of a uniquely close-knit, loving and joyful family. A funeral service will be held on January 3, 2026, at 11: OO a.m. at Bible Baptist Church, 11111 East 16th Avenue, Spokane Valley, Washington.
Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Everett, WA.
