JEAN M. KRIPP

KRIPP, Jean M. (Stevens) At 88 years old, oldest daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret Stevens, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on January 11, 2021. Jean was a lifelong resident of Melrose, the past Treasurer of the Women's Guild and lector at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield, Mass. Jean was a woman before her time, being one of the first women candidates for the Melrose Board of Alderman. Jean was also an early advocate of special education, championing Chapter 766, one of the first special education laws in Massachusetts. For many years she enjoyed spending time with her late husband James F. Kripp, Jr. and family and friends on Red River beach in Harwich and hosting family Thanksgiving in Melrose. She could be heard laughing and telling stories with her sisters Margaret Gaynor and Carol Prevost, remembering their late brother Arthur. Jean could be found digging in her award-winning garden or at the soccer or little league fields, the hockey rink, dance recitals, and even riding lessons cheering on her six children; Mark and his wife Elizabeth; Joanna and her husband Jon; Tracey and her husband Alan; Andrew and his wife Teresa; Matthew and his wife Michelle; and Mary Beth and her partner David. Jean loved her thirteen grandchildren Nicolette; Colleen and her husband William; Ryan and his wife Stacey; Charles and his wife Vanessa; Jacob and his wife Lucia; Harrison, Emma, Ava, Jack, Sophie, Grace, Lilly, and Zoe. She loved to knit sweaters, socks, and mittens for them on the beach and teach them how to tell time, using her knitting needle as a sundial. Jean was also the proud great grandmother of five great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Charlotte, William, Sierra, and Levi. Later in life Jean, a thoroughly modern woman, was a frequent contributor to her children's and granddaughter's Zoom business meetings, held at her kitchen table. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by friends, family, and neighbors who enriched her life. Due to Covid 19, funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 11 Grove St., Wakefield, MA 01880 or send flowers to a friend. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com Gately Funeral Home

781-665-1949

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