Old Lyme - Jean McLean, 83, died peacefully, with her family by her side, on Feb. 10, 2018, after a brief illness.

A lifelong resident of Old Lyme, Jean was born April 5, 1934, to Margaret (Clarke) and Lewis McLean. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Jean spent her career teaching elementary school, briefly in Old Lyme and then for many years in the East Lyme School District.

After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and going for daily walks. She was active at the Lymes' Senior Center and enjoyed a variety of activities there, especially her painting classes. She was a member of the Ladies Benevolent Society of the First Congregational Church and a dedicated volunteer at its annual White Elephant Sale. She was also a longtime league bowler. Jean loved to remember friends and family with cards and gifts on holidays and special occasions and was always devoted to the care and well-being of her cats. She was quite proud of her Irish heritage and kept in touch with family in Ireland and around the U.S.

Besides her parents, Jean was predeceased by her brother, Robert G. McLean. She is survived by her two nieces, Lizabeth McLean Haas and Marcia McLean, and their families. She also leaves behind many dear friends who will miss her cheery enthusiasm and genial personality and were there for her until she passed.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, at the First Congregational Church in Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's memory can be made to the Lymes' Senior Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Feb. 13, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean McLean

Sponsored by Fulton-Theroux Funeral Service.

10 Entries

Laura Leigh Frazier

July 17, 2018

Dear Lizabeth and Marcia,
I just stopped by the house this weekend to pop in on Jean and learned of her passing. I am so sad. My husband, sons and I always enjoyed visiting her and keeping in touch at Christmas card time. You were so lucky to have such a wonderful woman in your lives. I remember her from when I was a little girl, as well as your grandmother. The property was always magical to me when we would walk back to the stream after putting our hay in her barn. We loved sitting on the front porch, having cookies and catching up. Our sympathy to you.

We will miss her dearly,
Laura Leigh Frazier

Lynda Procko-Hall

March 15, 2018

I have known Jean since I was a girl. I had her for a Sunday School teacher and learned more about God and faith from her, not only in that class, but throughout my life, she was epitome of everything good. I could not imagine life without her in it, to me she was the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, her laugh was as melodic as the sounds of the brook in the back as it danced over and through her woods. I loved sitting there on the bench with her, often just talking about her flowers, or the birds she so enjoyed or her dear, dear, Spooky...
Through the years we always stayed in touch. My father also taught school with Jean and they remained friends. Jean was one of my father's only lifelines and he said that he didn't know what he would've done without Jean's caring ways and support during my mother's long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
When both my parents had passed Jean was like a Mom to me, there was nothing she wouldn't do for me.
Jean was like that with everyone she touched, she was as close to an angel on Earth as I have ever known.

I am devastated that I will no longer be able to hear her sweet voice in this life. I know for sure that Heaven is an even more glorious kingdom with Jean McLean there. I will always love you Jean... thank you for making my life even more beautiful!!

Mary white

February 16, 2018

I have known Jean for many many years. She was a great friend and trip companion. Very helpful and compassionate and loved her animals. I think about her every day and miss going to dinner with her.I am very sorry that I could not make the service because I no longer drive.

Kristin Cooksley Magnussen

February 16, 2018

Buffy and Marcia- I will miss seeing Jean around town and getting the latest news about the two of you. She was a lovely person, always smiling and truly interested in knowing more about the people around her. She was very proud of the two of you.

February 14, 2018

We will miss you, Jean. For years you taught with my mom, Dorothy Johanson, and gave us your delightful friendship. We enjoyed many visits both at home and with the lunch crowd. Our condolences to your family.

Alice Johanson Strauss, Lauren Strauss, Evan Strauss Tunkhannock PA, Framingham MA, Arvada CO

Sharon Schmiedel

February 13, 2018

Jean was a talented artist and a kind and lovely person. She was a delight to have in my watercolor classes. We will miss her and the joy she brought to us.

Edie Roberts Main

February 13, 2018

I'll miss Jean, with her sporty new car and her enduring, gentle spirit. She shared lots of stories with me about her travels and her visits to our home were so welcome. May she rest in Peace.

February 13, 2018

Jean smile can light up heaven for all to see. George Kinser

Charlotte Kundrath

February 13, 2018

I have known Jean for the past two years. We met in our art class at the Senior Center in Old Lyme. I often sat next to her. Jean was a delightful woman and an accomplished artist. Her watercolor paintings were very beautiful, reflecting her beautiful interior personality.

Jane Critchett

February 13, 2018

Jean always had a radient smile on her face. I will remember her from watercolor classes at the senior center.
Comfort and peace for her family and many dear friends from the Lord!
"Absent from the body, present with the Lord!"
Jane

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