Jane (Szekeres) DeMelis, age 89, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
She was the beloved wife of the late Robert C. DeMelis. Jane was born in Bridgeport on February 12, 1936, daughter of the late Alexander Szekeres and Helen Szekeres Durst and step-daughter to the late Joseph Durst. Jane resided in Fairfield until marrying Robert and moving to Orange for many years.
She graduated from the Pratt Institute of Art in the 1950’s. Jane was a talented artist employed as an artist/designer for multiple greeting card companies. She also provided artwork/illustrations for “My Weekly Reader,” the popular children’s newspaper that was used in schools to engage young students with the current events of the time as well as non-fiction periodicals. In her post-occupational years, Jane enjoyed the comforts of her home as well as her love for gardening.
She is survived by brothers-in-law, Anthony DeMelis of Seymour, and Guido DeMelis of RI as well as several loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Priscilla Curtis and Marian Pritz and a brother-in-law, Manny DeMelis. Visitation will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 am in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia.
At 10:30 am, a funeral service in celebration of Jane’s life will be held with Deacon Victor Lembo officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. To sign Jane’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
