Jean Audrey Bretton

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Audrey (DesMarais) Bretton, 86, of Plaistow, New Hampshire, on December 17, 2025. Jean was born in 1939 in Haverhill, Massachusetts, to the late Raymond DesMarais and Lucina (Perreault) DesMarais. She graduated from Haverhill High School in 1957 and later attended Boston Stenography School before returning home due to her parents' concerns about the Boston Strangler that year.

In the early years of her career, Jean worked as a secretary at Western Electric, where she met her future husband, Gerald Bretton. She fondly recalled noticing him when he passed through the office, and their connection deepened when they danced together at a company-sponsored event. They married in 1965 and soon after settled in Plaistow, New Hampshire, where they raised their five children on a small farm: Audra, Debra, Renee, Gerald Jr., and Jason.

A lifelong lover of animals, Jean pursued a variety of interests over the years, including studying animal nutrition at the University of New Hampshire and training as a dog groomer. She opened her own dog grooming business, operating it out of her barn for over a decade. Jean's passion for animals, especially horses, was a significant part of her life, sparked by childhood memories of her Uncle Lee's horse, "Stinky." Her home was always filled with the joy of animals, children, and a sense of love and laughter.

Jean was a devoted member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Plaistow, where she volunteered as a catechism teacher, sang in the choir, and even cooked for the parish priests. Her commitment to her faith and community was a cornerstone of her life.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Jean was an avid sportswoman. She loved tennis, yoga, aerobics, and cycling. She had a profound appreciation for the ocean, often vacationing at Hampton Beach, Cape Cod, and Lake Winnipesaukee, and cherished her time at their lake house on Half Moon Lake in Barnstead, New Hampshire.

Jean leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family, friends, and community. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Bretton, and their five children: Audra, Debra, Renee, Gerald Jr., and Jason, their spouses, as well as nine beloved grandchildren, two great grandchildren extended family, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, December 22, 2025 from 4pm – 6pm at the Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home. Her funeral will begin on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 9am at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10am at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish 8 Atkinson Depot Rd. Plaistow, NH. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the MSPCA @ mspca.org. in Jean's memory.

Jean will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her passion for animals, and her warm and welcoming spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Rest in peace, Jean. You are forever in our hearts.

Memorial Donation