Jeanne Kelly Kerens, 81, passed peacefully after a long battle with cancer on July 11, 2018. Jeanne was born to Edna Hill Killean and Clyde Kelly on July 8, 1938, in Clinton IA. Jeanne married James E. Kerens on Sept 28th, 1971. Jeanne and Jim moved to Tampa FL in 1982 where they began a new journey together. Jeanne was a member of the Women of the Moose for 42 years and an active member of American Legion Auxiliary Town and Country Memorial unit 152. While associated with the American Legion Auxiliary she served as Central Area President, District President, District Chaplain, she also proudly served as Unit President 3 separate terms, Chaplain and many years as treasurer, chairman of several ALA programs at the district and unit levels and proudly brought many awards to the unit. Jeanne was awarded a life membership in 2000 for her hard work and dedication. Jeanne was instrumental in creating a program within ALA unit 152 where 100 blankets are made annually to be taken to the Faces of Courage kids camp every December.
Her survivors include her brother Ron Kelly of Lady Lake, FL and sister Janice Ambrose of Lake Suzy, FL. Daughters, Kathleen (David) Williams of Columbus, OH., Teresa (Terry) Azure of Davenport, IA, and Sheryl (John) Kinsler of Tampa, FL; Sons, Daniel (Cindy) Kerens of League City, TX, and Michael Kerens of Provost, UT; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grand-children. Jeanne is predeceased by her husband Jim, her mother and father and two sisters.
Visitations will be held Sunday July 15, 6 to 8 PM and Monday 11 Am to 1:00 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614. Services to take place Monday at Saint Lawrence Church, Monday 1:30 PM 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa FL 33614. Interment to follow at Garden of Memories, Myrtle Hill. “Celebration of life” to follow the burial at American Legion Post 152 11121 Sheldon Road, Tampa, FL33626.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Faces of courage at www.facesofcourage.org or the American cancer society.
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