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1932
2022
Jean Dewey
Charlemont, MA — Jean Dewey, a well-known New England artist, passed quietly at her home, September 9, looking over the blue mountains that she loved, "where my hands can touch the sky". She was also a remarkable mother, grandmother, great grandmother, a friend to many and a collectible.
Jean Dewey was born to Burton L. & Dorothy M. Sweet on July 4, 1932, in Hartford, Ct. She grew up in Ellington, Ct. graduating from Rockville High in 1950. She married Elmer Terry Dewey in 1951 and settled in South Windsor, Ct. On the Dewey family farm in Wapping they raised their 3 children. On the farm is where Jean had her first of many antique and retail gift shops; where her first of several "Caprilands" based herb gardens grew and where she developed her unique hand-painted style of decorating rusty tin antiques.
Jean's original premise was to sell beautiful hand-painted "stuff" that housewives could afford. The artwork that started in the small barn outbuilding continued for over 60 years travelling to far distant lands. Her own shops operated in Connecticut (South and East Windsor, Glastonbury, Avon, Marlborough and Canton) and in Massachusetts (Cape Cod & Charlemont). In Charlemont, her family joined in and Jean Dewey Originals were sold, pre-internet, in nearly every state as well as Canada, Japan, Australia, England and Scandinavia. She painted everything from 1" pillboxes to milk cans; large hutches to miniature furniture; tinware & woodenware; landscape pictures to 40' murals. Jean Dewey was shocked in recent years when her work began to show up on the internet! Her collectors became life long friends.
Jean Dewey was also a creative cook. Let us not forget her amazing desserts, homefries, soups and culinary additions to the menu at the Charlemont Inn from 1990 – 2011.
She leaves her two daughters, Charlotte & Lois Dewey from Charlemont, Ma., her grandson Jeremiah Randall Dewey, his wife Leah and 2 great grand-children, Jacob Christopher & Savannah Charlotte all from Harwich, Ma.
Jean Dewey lived life to the fullest, even in her final years. She was an inspiration and mentor to many. We will forever miss her smile, her paintbrushes and her everyday happiness even in the face of many challenges. Jean Dewey will live on in the hearts of family, friends, collectors and in every piece of her hand-painted originals.
Plum at 281 Main Street, Greenfield, Ma. was already planning a Jean Dewey display & sale for Greenfield's Vintage Days and the show will go on! Please visit Plum on September 23,24,25.
Jean Dewey's Celebration of Life will be held at the Mountain Rose Inn, 151 Smead Hill Rd., Greenfield, Ma. At 3 PM on Sunday, September 25. If you have a favorite Jean Dewey item in your home, please forward a picture to the family at [email protected]
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Jean's memory to LifePath Inc., 101 Munson St., Greenfield, MA 01301 www.LifePathMA.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Charlotte,
I am so very sorry for your loss, and Talis and I send our deepest condolences to your entire family. We have such fond memories of some of our times spent together. Your Mom was such a lovely lady...she made the world a more beautiful place. Tal and I had planned to attend the celebration Sunday but I am having some health issues and cannot travel right now. Just know that our hearts will be with you. Our best to you, and please be in touch...it´s been much too long! Love, ilga
Ilga Zenta Paups
Friend
September 24, 2022
To Charlotte and Lois, I was glad to share some of the memories of your late mother, Jean. Your kindness will be remembered and your grief, so understood. I must add that everyone admired the strength and loving ways of your mom, where there was always a smile through some tremendous travesties. May the rainbows point down on your stay, like I watched after one of the greatest losses of your time.
Dick Belair
Other
September 24, 2022
Jean's cooking was great, but it would have been nothing without her bright smile and genuine warmth. Charlotte & Lois, you are in my thoughts, and warm memories.
Katharine (Kate) Pallos
Friend
September 20, 2022
My sincerest condolences to old friend Charlotte, who I got to know from many entertaining phone conversations during my days gathering info for deer-, bear- and turkey-harvest reports. RIP, Jean.
Gary Sanderson
September 19, 2022
A remarkably talented and prolific American folk artist - RIP Jean. Condolences to Charlotte and Lois for the passing of your mother.
Dianne
September 18, 2022
Ray and I want to send our condolences to the Dewey family. Our family have collected Jean Dewey pieces of art work for years. When I look at them, it brings a smile to my face, remembering the good times I have spent at the Charlemont Inn and on Leegate Mountain. May she now RIP.
Donna Flieger
Friend
September 17, 2022
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Funeral services provided by:
Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home Inc - Greenfield87 Franklin St, Greenfield, MA 01301
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