Jean G. Morrissey, lifelong Quincy resident, was born on New Years Eve, 1923, and died at home April 18, 2013, at age 89. She was Auntie Jeannie to 33 nieces and nephews spanning three generations. She was the last of her familys Greatest Generation. Jean was the daughter of the late Anna J. (Burke) Morrissey and James F. Morrissey; and the loving sister and constant companion of the late Frances M. (Morrissey) Adams of Quincy. In retirement, both sisters traveled together, and shared suppers almost daily. A devout Catholic and lifetime member of St. John the Baptist parish in Quincy, Jean was a member of St. Johns Sodality. She attended St. Johns Parochial School, Quincy Junior High School and Quincy High School, graduating in 1942. She began her working career with Bethlehem Steel at Quincys legendary Fore River Shipyard, just in time for the shipbuilding boom of World War II, and continued to work at the yard following the take-over by General Dynamics, retiring as Chief Telephone Operator in 1989 after 47 years. She was a member of the former Fore River retirees Old-Timers Club. During her life, Jean found meaning in her faith, in her love of family, her familys pet dogs, as well as her two much-loved cats. In years past, she traveled on summer vacations with her parents, driving on a number of occasions to her mothers childhood home at Cardigan North in Prince Edward Island, Canada. In 1953, Jean was the first person in her extended family to purchase a car, a brand new Chrysler. She loved to drive, and her quiet, meek personality often belied her driving prowess, confident and with nerves of steel. In the 1960s, as her nephews attained driving and dating age, it is safe to say that without use of her 1963 Chevy Impala, they would have been dateless. Jean was known by family, friends and neighbors to be generous, kind and loyal. It has been said by many that she never uttered a bad word about anyone. Her late sister once said of her honesty that Jean would rather starve to death before she would take a crumb of bread from anyone without asking. Her closest surviving family members, Frans kids, recount often how important she was to them growing up in difficult times, for her emotional support and strength, for outings to Nantasket Beach, and for helping to provide Christmases and birthdays. Jean was Auntie to 33 nieces and nephews spanning three generations, the latest arriving only a few weeks ago. Those who grew up with her in their lives have nothing but wonderful memories of her love for them, her kindness and gentle nature. She made each one feel a special and personal relationship with her. They visited her often, especially in the three years of her declining health, recounting their many loving memories of her. Jean was the loving "Auntie" of Susan Reilly of Braintree, the late Theodore Ted Adams, Jr., his widow, Glenda Adams of Marshfield, Richard and Caren Adams of Newton, Philip Adams of Quincy, Douglas and Iris Adams of Andover, James and Robyn Adams of Quincy, Billie Jo Adams of Walpole; as well as 27 of their children and grandchildren. On Saturday, April 20, a funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Johns, the church into which Jean was baptized, and where she attended Mass her entire life. Interment took place at Mount Wollaston Cemetery where her entire family is buried. Her family expresses their good fortune to have had her in their lives. She continues to be part of us, and although we all share a bitter-sweet happiness that Jeannie is at peace today, we will miss her gentle presence for the rest of our lives. Jeans family especially wishes to thank Sheryl Dwyer, Katie Wesner and Kathleen Lydon, who cared so affectionately for her for so many months, as well as Hospice of the South Shore, the South Shore Visiting Nurse Association, and her home health aides. Donations in her memory may be made to Jeans favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, and Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370-1055. For online guest book, please visit dennissweeneyfuneralhome.com. 617-773-2728




Published in The Patriot Ledger on May 4, 2013