A long-time Waterford resident, she was born in Bridgeport on Sept. 5, 1922, a daughter of the late Arthur H. and Verna A. (Osborne) Buttery and lived in Lime Rock for many years before moving to Waterford in 1945. She was a member of the first graduating class of Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Canaan, and earned a registered nursing degree from Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing in 1945. She pursued her nursing career first at Seaside Sanatorium, then at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, where she was a head nurse for almost 30 years before retiring in 1984.
She was the widow of LeRoy "Roy" Storms, who died in 1967.
Survivors include her children and their spouses, Suzan and Don Weller of Niantic, Peter and Betsy Storms of Waterford, Ann and Kirby Kloter of Old Saybrook, and Daniel and Jaye Storms of Niantic; her grandson, Owen Kloter of Hartford; and her sister, Norma Sposta of Hyannis, Mass. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Joan Buttery of Boca Raton, Fla., numerous nieces and nephews; as well as two step-granddaughters and three step-great-grandsons.
She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Buttery.
Jean was known for her love of plants and flowers. She created beautiful gardens at her Waterford home and grew numerous houseplants in her sunroom. She enjoyed traveling to various public and private gardens with the Naturescapes group and acquired many rare and unusual plants on her trips. She and her dear friend Nilla Palmer created beautiful dried flower wreaths and floral crafts, many of which were donated to the Second Congregational Church Christmas Bazaar.
Her other great love was travel. She and her close friend and co-worker Miriam Shabunia spent a memorable three weeks in France, and also participated in numerous Elderhostel trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. She traveled extensively throughout the Northeast, visiting historical sites and searching for antiques and collectibles.
Jean was an active supporter of the Drop-In Learning Center in New London and served on the board of directors for many years. She was a great sports fan, particularly of the UCONN women's basketball team and the Boston Red Sox. She rarely missed a televised game and especially enjoyed UCONN's NCAA championships and Boston's World Series victories.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Friends of Harkness Memorial State Park, PO Box 10, Waterford CT 06385 or the Drop-In Learning Center, 45 Broad St., New London CT 06320.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Robin Larson Koenigs
May 19, 2009
What a loss! Jean was a one of those terrific and caring women. I worked at The Drop-In Learning Center when their long time Executive Director suffered an accident. Reona and I stepped up and so didn’t Jean, Bill and Nilla. It wouldn’t be there without them and their support. Every week, or whenever needed, I had the privilege of going to her home in Waterford and having her sign checks. It was a delight to walk through her yard of beautiful plants and flowers and her home of antiques and collections. Non-profit fundraising is tough and she was always supportive, smart, and a strong soundboard, as well as she was at every event, meeting or whatever program we needed there at. I’m glad I had the privilege to know her, work with her and have her respect.
My deepest sympathies to her family.
Claire and Jack Hogan
May 19, 2009
To Dan and Jaye and the Storms Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. We know that you have many happy memories to warm your hearts and bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Deb Lavallee
May 18, 2009
Your Mom was such an inspiration...a true visionary and woman's woman. She did things with a strength and spirit that few possess. Raising 4 children alone is remarkable, but she did it with determination and character. You all were a source of pride for her as was her nursing career. She lived her life her way and by her rules right to the end. Keep all your wonderful memories close to your hearts and thank you for the opportunity to meet such a wonderful woman. She will be missed by all of us at Crescent Point for a long time to come.
Linda Johnston
May 17, 2009
To Peter and the Storms family,
I am saddened to read of the loss of your Mother. Although it appears she lived a long and adventurous life, it never seems enough for those left behind. To still have parents at our age is quite a blessing, I know. May God cradle you all in His arms and bring you comfort now as you grieve. WHS '68
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