1935 - 2024
Visitation
November 9, 202410-12PM
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford, MA 01863
Funeral
November 9, 202412PM
Dolan Funeral Home
“Jean, Jean the dancing machine” – Jean Patricia Mailhot, 89, of Westford, MA, passed away on October 30, 2024 in Salem, Massachusetts. She was the beloved wife of the late Philip J. Mailhot Jr., with whom she shared love and companionship for over 65 years.
Born in Newport, South Wales, United Kingdom, Jean was the daughter of the late Margaret Gonzales (Rabbitt) and Ronald Jones. Jean was later adopted by her stepfather, Henry Gonzales.
At the age of 12, after her father passed away, she moved to the United States in 1948, settling in Westfield, MA, where she attended St. Mary’s High School. She also attended Middlesex Community College and over her career acquired numerous certifications pertaining to professional development and childcare.
Jean dedicated her life to the care and education of children. She began working as the “cookie lady” at a childcare center in 1967. She quickly ascended from this role to a childcare teacher. As her career progressed, she ultimately became the Director of the Wang Childcare Center at Wang Laboratories in Lowell, MA. She retired from her career in professional childcare as the Director of the Chelmsford Child Discovery Center. After retiring she continued her work with children. Jean then took on a very fulfilling adventure as a governess caring for two wonderful children.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who cherished every moment with her family. Known for her strong spirit and great sense of humor, the world is not as funny without her. We will miss her jokes and laughter, her devilish smile, the soft touch of her skin, her passion for life and her unbridled love for family and friends.
Jean will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her children, Marie Leahy and fiancé Patrick Rogers of North Billerica, MA, Claire Mailhot of Jefferson, ME, and Caroline Mailhot and her partner, Lisa Locher of Swampscott, MA, and Thomas Levesque and his wife, Dyann of Nashua, NH, her 7 grandchildren Bryan Leahy and his wife, Nicole, Timothy Leahy, Ted Worthley, Clay Worthley, George Mailhot, Margot Legare, and Alison Jarry as well as nine great-grandchildren, her niece Tracy Watson and her husband Matthew and their son, Cameron of North Andover, MA, her best friend, Barbara Dana of Georgia, her care giver, Mandy Maille, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her siblings Beryl Kran and her late husband, Alexander Kran, and Ricky Gonzales Jr., her sister-in-law, Marlene Connolly and her late husband Robert Connolly, and her nephew, John Tisz.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10 AM-12 PM at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA, followed by a service at 12 PM. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Lori Kran
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I will remember my Auntie Jean as an exemplar of love, kindness, devotion to family, and a woman with a sense of humor and easy laugh! Love you, Auntie Jean!’ -Lori
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Barbara Dana
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Jean and I had a special friendship that started sixty year’s ago. We bonded almost immediately after meeting. We shared life’s joys and sorrows and always supported each other during times of strife.
After being neighbors for only a few short years, circumstances changed and my family moved to another state. Jean and I were heartbroken to be apart but we managed to stay in touch mostly by phone as no Internet was available then. For a few years we would plan trips to each other’s homes … maybe twice a year. As our children grew their schedules and activities took priority over our planned visits to see each other. But … we still stayed in touch!
Jean made it to my 50th birthday. I made it to her 75th birthday party.
Once she flew from Boston to Atlanta and I flew from West Palm Beach to Atlanta. We met at the airport. My daughter picked us up and we spent a long weekend at her home, just hugging and laughing and happy to be together.
After that time we mostly talked on the phone. Then … we became “computer savvy” and when it was possible to see each other while we talked, we would get together weekly on FaceTime.
Even after Jean’s health declined, we managed to keep in touch thanks mostly to her daughters and caregivers. I am thankful for those ‘visits’, too.
Jean was a wonderful friend and I am so fortunate to have had her in my life.
She will be missed … but not forgotten.
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Beth Arnald
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Both of my children attended Chelmsfors Discovery Center during Jean’s time there. She was such a lovely lady, a joy to know. I remember her old beat up Volvo that she loved. Fondly remember seeing her with family one Easter at Browns long after my kids were gone from daycare. My sincerest sympathy to all her family. Jean, may you rest in sweet peace.
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