Jean E. Fraser

Jean E. Fraser

Norwich, VT - Jean E. Fraser (née Cutler, formerly Salo), 86, of Norwich, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was born on March 10, 1939, in Brattleboro, VT, to the late Walter and Evelyn (Kemp) Cutler. She is a 1957 graduate of Brattleboro High School and earned a degree in education from the University of Vermont in 1961. Jean remained connected with her high school classmates throughout her life, attending most reunions, including their 67th in 2024.

Jean had two children from her first marriage, Fred and Lynn, whom she loved beyond measure, raising them in Keene, NH, since 1971. Despite the challenges of making ends meet as a single mom, she always found a way to provide memorable summer vacations to Sandy Island on Lake Winnipesaukee, which remain some of their fondest memories.

Jean was a teacher for 17 years, then worked in various administrative roles before she found her professional home in the IRA department at TD Bank, retiring in 2004. There she made lifelong friends with whom she stayed connected until her passing, cherishing their lunches together after her retirement.

In the fall of 2004, Jean received a postcard from the UVM Alumni Office - Jack Fraser, whom she had dated in college, wanted to reconnect. Hesitant at first, she did not call Jack until January of 2005. That call began a love story that never ended. Jean and Jack married on September 25, 2005, surrounded by their children, family, and friends, proudly joining the Fraser family in Norwich, Vermont, where she and Jack shared 14 wonderful years before his passing in 2019.

Jean found great joy in spending time with family. She loved reading her beloved books and playing card games. In recent years, she enjoyed visiting the Bugbee Senior Center in White River Junction, where she looked forward to the Monday and Friday lunches and Bingo games. She also loved visiting Maine and spending time by the ocean.

In addition to her parents and her cherished husband, Jack, Jean was predeceased by her brothers, Robert and Donald Pike; niece, Sheila Ferris; and brother-in-law, Richard Fraser.

Jean is survived by her beloved children, Fred Salo, Jr. (Marcy) of Las Vegas, NV and Lynn Wood (Doug) of Bedford, MA; grandchildren, Paige Cook (Ronnie) and Peyton Salo, who were her brightest stars; stepdaughters, Cindy Fraser, Wendy Bagley (Bryan), and Cheri Henry (Doug); grandchildren, Nati Henry and Jack Bagley; great-grandchildren, Cullen and Vivian Cook, and Tyler Henry; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Pike, Jane Britton (Glenn), Betty White, and Cindy Fraser; brother-in-law, George Fraser (Susie); niece, Sharon Pike; and great-niece, Bridgitte Ferris, and her father, Rick Ferris.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Village at White River Junction for their care and attention. They are also profoundly grateful to Dartmouth Hitchcock for their attentive and compassionate care – your kindness made all the difference. Special thanks to Francisco and Lorinda for their friendship and selfless commitment to maintaining Jean's connection to Bugbee. To our dear Bridgitte, no words can truly express the depth of our gratitude for the endless love, care, and laughter you brought to our mom in her final weeks.

A memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Norwich Congregational Church, 15 Church St., Norwich, VT. A reception will immediately follow in the church's parish hall from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All are welcome to attend, including those unable to be present at the service, to remember Jean and greet the family.

A graveside burial will follow at 1 p.m. at the Norwich Hillside Cemetery.

Those wishing to honor Jean's memory may consider a donation to the Bugbee Senior Center or the Palliative Care Program at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

To leave a message of remembrance or condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.