Jerome W. "Jerry" Rousseau

Jerome W. Rousseau
Jerome Rousseau, the life partner of Renee Rousseau, and father to Christian and Anastasia Rousseau, died on Saturday, February 17, 2024, after a long illness. Having been born and raised in Vermont it was fitting that he passed away while a lovely, soft snow fell, blanketing the trees and ground.
He was a beautiful man who approached life in his own singular way. He was perfectly suited for his chosen profession. He spent 31 years as a high school teacher of social studies and history at Springfield, VT High School and, after receiving his Masters in Humanities from Dartmouth College, created special courses that included life skills and team teaching with other disciplines. Jerome thought of each of his students as unique individuals, with singular needs and personalities, and he was determined to guide each one as they worked to achieve their goals. He also gave his time as a coach, an assistant in football, track and field hockey, class advisor and theater production director.
Jerome was a creative spirit, having played several musical instruments, and he had a splendid tenor voice, lending it to musical productions with the Springfield Community Players theater group, and a special production with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. He was also a gifted artist painting with water colors, acrylics, pastels, and oils. He showed his work in several Oklahoma City galleries, and the Blue Heron gallery in New Castle.
Renee and Jerome had a short courtship and a marriage that lasted fifty-six years, each maintaining freedom in togetherness. As Kahlil Gibran wrote, "Give your hearts, but not into each others keeping, for only the hand of life can contain your hearts." He was also a supportive father who let each of his children find their own path in life. He provided advice, guidance, gentle discipline and always a lot of love.
Jerome was born the second son of Alfred and Ida Rousseau on February 12, 1942 in Bellows Falls, Vermont and remained in Vermont until his retirement in 1997, when he and Renee moved to Oklahoma City, OK to be nearer Renee's parents. After Renee's father's death they moved with Renee's mother to New Castle, DE to be near their children and grandchildren.
Jerome is survived by his wife and his two children, son Christian and daughter Anastasia, two brothers, Alfred William and Ralph Thomas, and one sister, Charmien Dexter. He has three grandchildren, Jack and Ty (Anastasia) and Grayson (Christian).
With respect for family members in several states the services will be private at a later date.