East Brookfield: Jean Raycroft (Cahill) Simonelli, 86, died February 4th, 2014. She was comforted by the presence of her loving family at the time of her passing. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Leonard Simonelli and their three beloved children: Kathleen Simonelli of Worcester, Cara (Simonelli) Johnson and her husband David of Northborough, Michael Simonelli and his wife Colleen (Coleman) Simonelli of Shrewsbury. She is predeceased by her eldest child David Simonelli and brother William Cahill. She was blessed with six beautiful grandchildren: David and Anthony Consiglio of Worcester, Kylie and Taylor Johnson of Northborough, Michael and Gianna Simonelli of Sutton/Shrewsbury and many nieces and nephews.
Jean was born in Southbridge, MA June 13, 1927 daughter of the late William and Kathleen (Donovan) Cahill. Jean graduated from Mary E. Wells H.S. in Southbridge, MA class of 1945 and went on to graduate from the Boston School of Dental Nursing. Married sixty one years, she met and married her husband Leonard in 1953. After marriage Jean focused her energy on being a devoted wife, a vital member of the community and loving mother of four children. Jean was a member of Harrington Hospital Auxiliary of Southbridge, was a fund trustee of David Prouty H.S. Scholarship fund, member of Omega Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International Civic Sorority. Jean also taught Christian Doctrine for a number of years at St. John the Baptist Church in East Brookfield.
Jean will always be remembered for her love of entertaining family and friends, reading, and dancing with her partner of 61 years. She especially enjoyed her time spent on Cape Cod over her entire life time and more recently time spent in Florida. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and good friend to many. Jean will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.
The funeral will be held, Tuesday, Feb. 11 from J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Mass at 11:00AM in St. John the Baptist Church, North Brookfield Road, East Brookfield. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, East Brookfield. Calling hours are Monday, Feb. 10 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Summit Elder Care of Charlton, MA or the Alzheimer’s Association 480 Pleasant Street Watertown, MA. The family would also like to thank all of the staff, nurses, and doctors of Summit Elder Care and Southbridge Rehab. for their support and care over the last few years. The family would also like to specially thank Blanca Galvez for her devoted service to our mother.