Ireland Genealogy Project
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Ireland Genealogy Project Archives

Don Kelly

Donald Leroy Kelly, 79, died on the 3rd of August 2012. He was born in Arkansas (USA) to Oscar and Gladys (Pruitt) Kelly.

Don was one of the pioneers of internet genealogy. He was the manager of the Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) website for the last 12 years. Don was extremely proud of his Irish Roots. He liked to use the name Donal O’Collough as his “online” name, as a way of celebrating his heritage.  Don was well known in the community of Irish family researchers.

One of Don’s biggest attributes was his sunny nature. He managed numerous Rootsweb email lists, always with a light touch. On his lists, he came in contact with hundreds of people researching their family and was happy to help and encourage all who wrote to him.  His friendship was treasured by the people he worked with on internet genealogy projects as well as those who contacted him for help researching their ancestry.

Don leaves behind a wife, Irene, and three daughters, Tracy, Angela and Tawnya.  He lived in Cornelius, Oregon. 


Fiona Doyle Jones 

The County Down genealogy and family history community were stunned and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Fiona Doyle Jones, who died Saturday in Hamilton, New Jersey. Fiona had emerged as a highly respected, productive and accomplished leader in the genealogy community of the US and Northern Ireland. She was the co-ordinator of the IGP Down site as well as the vibrant moderator of the County Down Genealogy Yahoo Group and a creator or contributor in several other Irish genealogy forums.

Her expansive circle of admiring friends was world-wide and her projects, both online and on the ground, were numerous. She was the author of "From the Mountains of Mourne to the Mines of Montana", a loving tribute to her grandfather Henry Doyle of Kilkeel. Only weeks ago she celebrated with family and friends in Kilkeel the recent publication of her latest book, "A Mourne Townland. The History and People of Augnaloopy".

Fiona's passionate pride and love of her Irish heritage impelled her to be a prolific researcher and writer who gave tirelessly of herself to assist and encourage other family historians. Her passing leaves much heartache and sorrow, but within days of her death her County Down Genealogy friends have committed to continue her most recent project as a lasting legacy and tribute. "Our Fiona" was a very special lady and a brilliant Star of County Down. She will be greatly missed, but long remembered.
~Nan Brennan


Fiona's Obituary:
Fiona Jones HAMILTON - Fiona Jones, 47, of Hamilton, NJ, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton. Born in Birmingham, England, Fiona was a dedicated mother and wife, a renowned genealogist, and a clinical scientist. She was an ardent supporter of Steiner High School, where she was a well-loved member of the Marching Band Parents Association (SMUPA), as well as the jazz band, track and field, and swim team parents' organizations. She selflessly helped and led the international genealogical community, hosting websites and discussion groups on Irish family history. She recently published a genealogical book entitled "A Mourne Townland: The History of People of Aughnaloopy" and had plans for further publications. Fiona worked as a clinical research scientist and business development executive both in England and France prior to moving to the USA, where she became a citizen on July 3, 2012. She is survived by her loving husband, Anthony; her children, Paul and Ciera; her brother, Henry Doyle, and her parents, Malachy and Marian Doyle. A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Oct. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. (religious service at 7 p.m.) at the Nottingham Firehouse, 200 Mercer St., Hamilton, NJ, 08690. Fiona's family would like to invite charitable donations in Fiona's honor to Homeboy Industries (serves at-risk and gang-involved youth; www.homeboyindustries/how-you-can-help/donate, and the Mission Old Brewery (non-profit organization helping Montreal's homeless men and women;www.oldbrewerymissions.ca/Payment methods.htm. Arrangements are under the direction of the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ. www.saulfuneralhomes.com.