Jean Dianne Footit

1945 - 2025

Shutesbury, MA - Jean Diane Footit of Shutesbury, Massachusetts died peacefully on the evening of September 24, 2025 in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. She was born on January 31st, 1945, in Middletown, Connecticut to Barbara and William Footit.

Jean exemplified the term "salt of the earth," being steady, generous and kind. This was clear in both her personal and professional life. A 1966 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, she then joined the Peace Corps, teaching English in Columbia and traveling across South America. Upon returning, she attended the University of Connecticut, receiving a Master's degree in Social Work.

Her loving and giving nature were central to her life, leading her to foster parenting, sheltering animals, and falling in love with a philosophical man named Harry Masterton. They married in 1982 and started fostering children together. They spent 40 years together at their beloved Gateway Farm in Shutesbury. Jean was a supportive, compassionate, wise and loving parent to her three children.Animals were an integral part of Jean's life. At one time, in addition to many horses from draft horses to ponies, numerous dogs, cats, a milking cow, chickens and ducks graced their farm. Jean rode as a little girl with her parents and was on equestrian teams in college. She and Harry did the "Vermont 100" ride together, a three-day endurance event. Jean's other interests included photography and playing the harp. Jean's compassionate nature was reflected in her work. She began her career working with the Child and Adolescent Team at Franklin County Clinical Services. In 1975, she was a founding mother of NELCWIT (New England Learning Center for Women in Transition) in Greenfield, MA, still a vital community resource 50 years later.

As someone who lost her immediate family at a young age, she dedicated her life to helping people experiencing grief. Her work as a Hospice social worker in Franklin County was her true calling. She helped many people pass this life gracefully. She counseled parents whose children were dying and ran groups for children and adolescents whose parents had passed. Her work reflected a love for animals by offering pet grief therapy and animal-assisted children's groups on her farm. She was truly loved and admired by her family, friends, community and colleagues. Jean was predeceased by her parents, brother, and husband. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth, Katie and Tony, Elizabeth's partner, Walley Rice and eight grandchildren. A memorial will be arranged in the future.

Donations in Jean's name may be made to the World Wildlife Fund.

Memorial guestbook can be found at www.douglassfuneral.com