It is with deep love and reverence that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved matriarch, Jean Wilson, on March 17, 2026. Born on June 24, 1929, to John Mortell and Julia Lewondowski, Jean lived a life defined by compassion, service, and an extraordinary capacity to love. She opened her heart and home to many, fostering children throughout Western Massachusetts and ultimately adopting 17. Her legacy is not only in the lives she raised, but in the countless lives she touched. Jean was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Charles Wilson, her sister Dorothy, and her brother John. She was a longtime resident of Chicopee, Massachusetts, before moving to Vermont in 1994, where she remained for the rest of her life. She found joy in music, comfort in the presence of animals, and purpose in caring for others. She leaves behind a loving family that includes her eight adopted sons, Charles, James, Ronald, Theodore, Aaron, Thomas, Patrick, and Vincent; and her five adopted daughters, Dorothy, Liticia, Elizabeth, Michelle, and Ebonee. Her love extends through generations, including many grandchildren, great grandchildren, hundreds of foster children, and countless others whom she embraced as family. We invite all who knew and loved Jean to join us in celebrating her life: Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield Street, Chicopee followed by A Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rose de Lima Parish, 600 Grattan Street, Chicopee at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Jean’s life was a testament to unconditional love, and her legacy will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her. Online condolences may be shared at www.grisefh.com.