Jean Carey, 96, a longtime resident of Dee Road in Lexington, died peacefully on October 5, 2017 at Concord Park in West Concord, MA. Daughters Joanne (Robert) Goodman of Dallas, TX and Chatham, MA, Cynthia Carey of Bedford, MA and Nancy (Thomas) Maguire of Vienna, VA are grateful for the compassionate care Jean received from the staff of the Memory Support Neighborhood, and the nursing team from Seasons Hospice.                                                                   .

Jean, born June 22, 1921, was the daughter of Charles and Gertrude Hughes. She grew up on Howitt Road in West Roxbury and graduated from Roslindale High School. Jean was a proud graduate of Simmons College (1942) and Simmons School of Social Work (1945).

Anyone who knew Jean could appreciate that she chose the perfect career path.  Her selflessness, empathy, non-judgmental nature, optimism, high moral standards and respect for humanity made her a lifelong advocate for the underserved, underprivileged and the misunderstood.  Her son-in-law with good reason referred to her as "Saint Jean."

She had a long and satisfying career, although she always said that the happiest years of her life were when she stayed home with her three young daughters. Prior to her marriage in 1953, Jean worked at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary. Once her youngest was of school age, she resumed her career. She worked at the Martha May Elliot Family Health Center in the Bromley-Heath Housing Project, which was a challenging environment in the late 1960s. From 1971 until her retirement in 1989, Jean was Director of Counseling K-12 for Arlington Public Schools.

Jean positively impacted many lives as a community volunteer.  Non-profits such as REPLACE, Communities United, Inc, ODWIN, Head Start and Rosie's Place were her vehicles to help improve the lives of children, students, mothers, homeless women and those from vulnerable populations.

She loved the opera, symphony and the ballet, driving herself into Boston for these pleasures well into her 80s. An active person, she never sat down, and was always up for golf, tennis, biking, skating, sledding or ping-pong.

Jean was also a loyal, enthusiastic and original member of GLADS (Greater Lexington Adventure Society) established by dear Lexington friend Bob Bond for Lexington empty-nesters to elevate themselves through education, exercise, enlightenment, camaraderie and fun.
Jean was pre-deceased by her husband of 49 years, Francis Downing Carey. They met skiing at Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, NH.  This led to many enjoyable ski trips with their daughters, Lexington friends and Frank's colleagues at Raytheon.

Later, Jean took delight in skiing with her grandchildren. Her last ski run was at age 87 in Park City, UT skiing with her daughters and granddaughter.

Trude (John) Tiesi, Peter (Jessica) Goodman, LT Charles Goodman, Andrew Goodman and Conor and Owen Maguire have many fond memories of spending summers with their fun loving, patient and tolerant grandmother on the beaches of Chatham, MA, where Jean always took a swim regardless of how cold the water.

First great-grandchild Jeanne Tiesi was born this past June, Jean's birth month.  Other survivors include Jean's devoted niece Carol Brown, nephews Michael and Peter Hughes and their families.

A rejoicing of Jean's life, with luncheon to follow, will take place on Saturday, October 14 at noon in the Common Room at First Parish Church (75 Great Rd. Bedford, MA). Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please simply help someone in need, as she did every day she was able.