Jeanette Maureen Keljik

Jeanette Maureen Keljik (Shields), of Westwood, MA, passed away peacefully in her home on August 25, 2024 at the age of 89. She was born on November 24, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late James T. Shields Jr. and Mary J. Shields (Molloy).  

Jeanette graduated from North Quincy High School in 1952. Shortly after, she married Edward DePesa of Randolph, MA, with whom she shared their daughter, Anne, until his passing in 1967. As a newly single mother, she re-entered the workforce as a bookkeeper at Food Enterprises, in Canton, MA, a profession she took immense pride in since her teenage years. She quickly was recruited by her new boss, Edward K. Keljik, of Watertown, MA, and worked for him until shortly before they were to be married on June 18, 1970. Jeanette and “Ed” resided in Westwood, MA with Edward, Jr. Jeanette “adored” her husband of 34 years until his passing in 2005. 

Jeanette had many favorite pastimes, some of which included going to Ogunquit, ME in search of the largest lobster for lunch; capturing photos during her countless worldly excursions mostly alongside her daughter and her late friend Louise Allen; actively participated in her Catholic faith; and creating memories with her family and friends. 

Jeanette was the devoted mom of Edward Keljik Jr. and his wife Sabine of Westwood, MA, and Anne Head (DePesa) of Walpole, MA. Jeanette was a loving grandmother to Christopher Head of Walpole, MA, and Aleen, Andre, and Armen Keljik; and great-grandmother to Morgan, Kristin and Colin Head-Saulnier. Jeanette was also a proud aunt to Valerie Breidenbaugh and her husband Albert of Jarrettsville, MD, nephew James Shields, and his wife Delilah of Arvada, CO, and nephew Michael Shields and his wife Ginny of Tuxedo, NY. She was a loving great-aunt to Ariel Foote of Abingdon, MD, and Aaron Shields of Arvada, CO. Jeanette was predeceased by her beloved brother, James Shields of Lakeland, FL. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Visiting Hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home at 55 High Rock Street, Westwood on Tuesday, September 3rd from 4-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning, September 4th at 10am in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High Street, Westwood. Interment at New Westwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeanette’s memory to The Genesis Foundation for Children – www.thegenesisfoundation.org/donate, or mailed to: 60 Temple Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02111.