Janice A. Fennelly

October 10, 1947 - March 22, 2026

Saratoga Springs, NY - Janice Anne (Goldup) Fennelly, born October 10, 1947, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, in the arms of her daughter, Amy. Her beloved son Michael, who passed away on June 3, 2008, was there to hold her hand and guide her home to heaven with him. Jan has missed Michael every second for nearly 18 years and they will be making up for missed time with a love that only grew stronger with each passing day. Jan was the daughter of the late Stanley T. Goldup and the late Mary L. Flaetgen Goldup. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Patrick J. Fennelly, Sr.

Jan is survived by her cherished children, Amy Marie Hayes (Aaron), Patrick J. Fennelly (Tina), and the late Michael P. Fennelly. She is also survived by her most beloved grandson and best buddy, Aiden Michael Fennelly Hayes, and her adored granddaughters Autumn Rose Fennelly and Alexandra Fisher Fennelly. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Robert S. Goldup, Sr, and loving sisters Joyce Goldup Clark (Frank) and Jean Goldup Rowe (Robert).

Jan graduated from Vincentian Institute in 1965 and immediately started employment with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and continued work until she resigned and became a full-time stay-at-home Mom for many years. She then resumed employment at the Times Union until her retirement in 2008.

Some of Jan’s favorite things were playing Monopoly, Scrabble, and 500 Rummy among other games with her grandson Aiden, even though he usually won all the games. She almost always had a jigsaw puzzle set up and ready to be completed. The most relaxing time would be sitting on the deck in the sunshine watching all the birds that came to the bird feeder. She loved spending time at home with her family, taking care of everyone, and loving them.

Jan loved her family more than anything and she was the very best wife, mom, and grandma in the world. She always said that her greatest accomplishment in her life was becoming a mother. It was her biggest dream and greatest joy. Jan will be remembered for her laughter, warmth, patience, her enormous love for her family, and the many memories she created with those around her. She gave her children and grandson the most magical childhoods and lives they could ever possibly imagine and loved them with fierce and unwavering love. She was generous, forgiving, kind, and understanding. She loved to laugh and smile. She thought of others before herself, always. Jan bravely fought so hard for the past year because she knew that her family needed a little bit more time to get ready before she left to go to heaven. She gave them another year of enjoying flowers together in the spring, sunshine and ice cream on the deck in the summer, watching the leaves change color in the fall, and seeing the snow fall in the winter. She gave them Christmas, making “swearing cookies” with Aiden, special grilled bread, apple pudding, homemade dinners, Wordle, Super Quiz, Red Fish Blue Fish, birthdays, laughter, and so many hugs and kisses.

It was her wish that with her passing, you do not forget her son Michael. Say his name, think of the happy times, and do something fun in his memory.

Please remember Jan with all the love that she deserves, and in her words, “Let’s all be happy.”

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes.

At Jan’s request, there will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com