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Jean Vreeland Obituary

Jean Marie Vreeland 1956-2012 LENOX Jean Marie Vreeland, 55, of Nielsen Lane, died Thursday morning at Berkshire Medical Center, after a lengthy illness. Born in Orange, N.J., August 30th, 1956, the daughter of James B. and Pauline V. Kulpinski Vreeland, she attended Stockbridge Schools and was a graduate of Monument Mountain Regional High School. Jean had worked in Housekeeping at the former Berkshire Hills North nursing home in Lee as well as Meridian Associates in Pittsfield and Berkshire Family and Individual Resources. She was a faithful communicant of St. Ann's Church in Lenox where she loved to listen to the Youth Choir and enjoyed attending the weekly coffee hour in the Parish Hall. She also loved music, movies, dancing, kitties, and collecting angels. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes, and genuine sweetness. Family and friends were of the utmost importance to her. She always thought about others and regularly inquired of their well- being. Jean is survived by her parents, of Lenox; one brother, Richard J. Vreeland and wife Grace, of Litchfield, N.H.; three sisters, Carol J.V.F. Burns and husband Ray of Flagstaff, Ariz., Mary Ann Vreeland of South Portland, Maine, and Sandy L. Morley and husband Francis, of Lenox; her beloved nieces and nephews including Joshua Brown, Benjamin J. Vreeland, Kathryn Vreeland, Julia Fisher, Sarah, Hannah, and Alyssa Morley, Lydia and Nathaniel Vreeland; and her uncles, John S. Kulpinski and wife Martha, and Chuck D. Vreeland III. FUNERAL NOTICE: The Funeral of Miss Jean Marie Vreeland of Lenox, who died Thursday, March 15th, 2012, will be Monday, March 19th, at 11 a.m. at St. Ann's Church in Lenox with the Rev. Daniel B. Brunton, pastor emeritus, and Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, pastor, con-celebrating the Liturgy of Christian Burial. Family and friends will gather prior to the funeral mass at the ROCHE FUNERAL HOME at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Sunday, March 18th, from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in Jean's memory may be made to St. Ann's Church in care of the funeral home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240. Jean's family would like to acknowledge Community Enterprises, Inc. (formerly Project AIM) for their long and outstanding service to Jean and her entire family through the years.

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Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Mar. 17, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Vreeland

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Pattie deMonch

March 25, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of Jeanie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. --Pattie Farrell deMonch

Tim Fogarty

March 20, 2012

I was so sad to hear of Jeannie's passing, it brought back fond memories of high school. Her big smile and genuine caring for people will always be remembered.

March 19, 2012

Dear Pauline and Family, I was shocked to learn of Jeannie's passing and saddened to lose such a beautiful friend. I have many fond memories of spending time with Jeannie in your back yard on the swing and in the living room having a cup of tea. I will never forget her. Sincerely, Carol Privitera
Naples, FL

Alexandra Stark

March 19, 2012

It was a great privilege knowing Jeannie. She reflected the love her family enveloped her in. May her family be comforted by the positive difference she made in so many peoples' lives. She will be missed. Safe journey Sweet Jean until we meet again.

Peter Vreeland

March 19, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. Her smile would light up a room...or any space she was in, no matter how large. She had the rare gift of making you feel better just by being near. know that you are all in my prayers.

Rest in peace, Jeannie.

March 19, 2012

To the Vreeland Family,

We are deeply sorry to hear of Jeanie's passing. Her smile will always be remembered and the memories our of her will radiate forever.

Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Matthew and the Keator Family

March 19, 2012

Dear Pauline, Sandy and entire family, We are sad for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you! Love, Maurice and Renee Benoit (Oak Ridge, TN)

Joseph Forfa

March 18, 2012

Jean's smile and grace were a constant reminder to me in high school that life must be good. Her heart was full of love and gentleness, an abundance of joy that she shared without reservation. Her memory is shared with each act of kindness that she inspires in each of us fortunate enough to have received one from her. God's abundant blessings to you Jean.

Janet McCann

March 18, 2012

Dear Uncle Jim, Aunt Pauline, and my special Cousins,

I was so sorry to learn of Jeannie's passing. She will forever be an integral part of countless fond memories as our families grew up together. When I think of Jeannie, the first image that comes to mind is her ever-ready smile, which always lit up her eyes and made them sparkle. A very close second is her genuine interest in the lives and well-being of those around her. In my mind, I can see and hear her clear as a bell, plopping down next to me or coming up to give me a hug, and asking, "So what's new with you?" or "How are things going?" Unlike a lot of people, she really wanted to hear the answer, always, and I will forever love that about her. I think of her and her love of pink and of cats and her finding joy in the simplest of things. God made her in part forever child-like, something many might view as a handicap, but that to me has always been something beautiful; how wonderful it would be if all of us could retain that same quality throughout our lives. I know her physical absence leaves a great hole in your hearts, and she will be very missed; I also know that we all shall see her again one day, and in the interim, I pray that you can find comfort and solace in knowing that Jeannie is safe in the arms of the angels, and of those who went before her whom she loved so much. Now it is God who has the pleasure of answering Jeannie's, "So what's new with you?" and Heaven surely is an even more beautiful place with her there. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and that I will forever treasure having had Jeannie as part of my life. All my love,

Nicole Pinna

March 18, 2012

Pauline and Jim,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful and sweet Jeanie. I will always remember how her face would light up when she talked about the things she loved. She was always happy when her and her mom would visit her dad, Jim. It was always a pleasure to see her during those times. I will always hold Jeanie's hand close to my heart as I did Wednesday night while she was saying her prayers with you Pauline. My deepest sympathies go out to Pauline, Jim, her brother, her sisters, and other family members and friends.

"Jeanie, watch over us. Protect us. Touch our tears with your beautiful smile. Hold our hands and walk with us. Find you when we miss you to much. Hug our hearts with your memory and fill us with your laughter. And Jeanie, may you find peace at rest."

Kim Brochu

March 17, 2012

I am so sorry and saddened for your loss, I will always remember Jean's smile and how you just could not stay in a bad mood when she was near. My heart goes out to her entire family, you are in my prayers.

Loretta (Forfa) Malin

March 17, 2012

I am so sad to hear of Jean's passing. I remember her smile and her kindness to everyone. I was very fortunate to have known her. The world is a much poorer place without her....Heaven is rejoicing her arrival. God Bless you Jean...You will be missed by all who knew you.

Annette Salvato-Gangi

March 17, 2012

I was so sadden to hear of Jean's passing. I remember her from high school with her always smiling. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Fr. Daniel B. Brunton

March 17, 2012

Jeannie was the essence of "love". She found her love in each one of her loving family. Her goal was to make everyone she met as loving & giving as she was herself.Her heart was smaller than most of ours due to her illness, but it was bigger than any heart in the way she loved life & lived her life. She loved music & singing & dancing & wanted to share that love with anyone she met. She wanted everybody to be loved as she was loved. The Berkshires have lost one who "radiated" love wherever she went. If only that love could be carried on by the quiet memories of her smiling face. That would & could be her legacy. Jean may your infectious "smile" brighten our lives & faces for many a day. May the Good Shepherd lead you gently to the loving care of all the "angels" that guided you lovingly every day & night. You were & are our "Angel". May we look up, even on the difficult days, wearing a smile on our face & a song in our heart , as you inspired us each and every day we were privileged to share with you. Jeannie we love you. Watch over and guide us as we learn to live without "Our Angel".

Joe Stitt

March 17, 2012

Jim and Pauline,
I was saddened to read of Jean's death. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Wendy formerly @

March 17, 2012

I am so saddened to hear of Jean's passing. I will treasure the time I spent with her in physical therapy, along with the angel she gave me as a gift. She, too, was an angel. My deepest sympathy to you.

Denise Keithler

March 17, 2012

I was saddened when I learned of Jean's passing. There was never a more genuine person. I am gong to miss Jean at the reunion this June. I was so looking forward to seeing her again. Jean never met a stranger and was everyone's friend in high school. To Carol and the family, may your memories of her warm smile and uplifting spirit guide you through this difficult time.

Ivy Simms

March 17, 2012

Carol Verland, so sorry to hear about loss. May your memories hold you, through these difficult days ahead.

Lisa Caputzal

March 17, 2012

I am sorry to hear of Jean's passing.She was a good friend to all, I am blessed to have known her in High School. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Korte

Liz Dolby

March 17, 2012

I will always remember her sweet smile and personality!! Thinking of you all at this time of your loss!! Liz Dolby

Tom Joyner

March 17, 2012

We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom and Lillian Joyner, Lenox Dale

Wendy (Nielson) Beckman

March 17, 2012

I will always remember Jeanie for her great smile and cheerfulness. When we were kids, she always made me feel special, for example, as if finding the seat empty next to me on the bus (so she could sit with me) was the highlight of her day. She had a great way of making each of us feel better about ourselves just by being herself. My heart goes out to Carol and all of the Vreeland family.

Lenox Police Department

March 17, 2012

Please accept our sincere condolences at the passing of Jean. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Eileen Maxfield

March 17, 2012

May God be with you all at this difficult time. Jean is finally home. God will watch over and take good care of her.

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