Jan (Kilbourne) Leary

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Jani’s crowning joy was the birth of her grandson Declan, who stole her heart from the start and gave her endless joy for the past two years.

Jan Leary (known as Jani to all who loved her), of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2026 in the loving embrace of her two adoring daughters, Dani and Kelly, who made her life complete, and Denis, her lifelong best friend and husband of 25 years.

Born in 1956 to the late Elliot and Edith (Green) Kilbourne, Jani was one of three children. From an early age, she possessed a caring spirit that found its calling in nursing. Her extraordinary 45-year career began at the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing, where she received both the education and hands-on clinical training that would shape a lifetime of compassionate service.

Jani’s life as a nurse was one of great diagnostic skill and talented care delivery, driven by her unending compassion for the generations of sick and injured whose lives were touched by her selfless love for others. She also served for over 20 years as a member of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT-2). In that role, Jani was deployed numerous times to the scenes of devastating disasters including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods across the world. She was also deployed on 9/11 as a member of the search-and-care team in New York City. In every rescue effort and every moment of care for the sick and injured, Jani was brave, fearless, and selfless.

Jani’s early life was marked by the heartbreaking loss of her father when she was just 12 years old, but fortunately, Jani found love, comfort, and stability through the unwavering support of her sister Pat and Pat’s husband, Don McInnes.

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No cookout, 'Sunday Supper,' or Thanksgiving was ever without Jani’s incredible skill as a cook and party planner.

As an adult, Jani created her own happy family with Denis that included two incredible daughters, over thirty extended-family members, and a life-long bond with her sister-in-law, Linda Leary Lepiesza. Jani’s crowning joy was the birth of her grandson Declan, who stole her heart from the start and gave her endless joy for the past two years.

Her family life was highlighted by vacations to Cape Cod, Maine, California, the Caribbean, England, and Ireland.

Those who were lucky enough to be part of Jani’s life will always remember her as a fun, caring, exuberant person. No cookout, “Sunday Supper,” or Thanksgiving was ever without Jani’s incredible skill as a cook and party planner, which always involved her gourmet recipes, her favorite Rod Stewart music, and her happy genuine laughter.

Jani’s connection to her close friends and her City Hospital / UMass Memorial colleagues was priceless to her, and she never lost sight of how blessed she was to be surrounded, on a daily basis, by unending love and friendship.

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Those who were lucky enough to be part of Jani’s life will always remember her as a fun, caring, exuberant person.

Although her battle with COPD consumed much of her final year, Jani’s life was one of boundless energy that showed itself in her DIY home improvements, gardening, and weekly hosting of happy hour. Her home in Shrewsbury was a beehive of activity and was the frequent venue for “Pasta Parties” for Dani’s crew team, and the sleepover house of choice for Kelly’s many friends.

Jani was loyal, honest, dependable, and dedicated. She was that rare combination of spunk and spirit, combined with calm and compassion. Jani will be missed every day for all days to come, but even though the world will be a lesser place without her, the legacy of love that Jani created will live forever.

A Celebration-of-Life for all her friends, colleagues, extended family, and neighbors will be held Friday, July 31st, starting at 4PM at Fiddlers Green (the Irish Club), 19 Temple Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Jan Leary Scholarship in Nursing, www.gofundme.com/jans-nursing-scholarship . THE MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.