Jean Thaxter Brett, life long resident of Hingham, died Thursday, Oct. 13th at the Milford Harborside Healthcare Center in Milford, New Hampshire after a long illness.
A devoted nursery school teacher of 26 years, Jean founded and nurtured the Lazy Eye Clinic for the Hingham Visiting Nurse for 26 years. She pioneered recycling in Hingham, was active in securing land for conservation, and was a devoted member of the Second Parish Church, and choir. She was a member of the Ladies Committee for the Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the Colonial Dames Society, and a life long member of the Hingham Yacht club. Known best for her quiet understanding and gentle wisdom, woven with whimsical humor and a sense of wonder, Jean loved Hingham and worked to preserve its character and beauty.
Born and raised in Hingham, Jean was married to the late George L. Brett for 40 years, until his death in 1983. They enjoyed many years of cruising the waters of Buzzards Bay with their three children.
She is survived by her three daughters, Jan Brett of Norwell MA, Sophie Merrill of Wilton, NH, and Jeannie Tsairis of York Harbor Maine. She has six grandchildren, Lia Bowler, Jason Merrill, Amy Merrill, Gregory Tsairis, Sophie Tsairis, and Lee Tsairis, and one great grand daughter due in February. Jean is also survived by three sisters, Janis Folsom, Jackie Wogan, Judy Warren, and a brother, Bill Thaxter.
Truly an artist in living, Jean will be remembered for her genuine warmth and understanding. She will hold a special place of tenderness in the hearts of those who knew her.
A memorial service will be conducted on Thursday, Oct. 27th at 3 PM at the Second Parish Church, 685 Main St. (Rt. 228), Hingham. Visiting hours and flowers omitted by request. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Hingham Land Trust, P.O Box 10, Hingham MA 02043.
The interment in the Hingham Cemetery was private.