Jeanette Lin Wu of Dover, Massachusetts passed from her earthly home on Wednesday, November 6th. Born Jeanette Chu in 1930 in Nanjing, China, Jeanette was one of ten close-knit siblings who ultimately fled Communist occupation during World War 2. Along with her mother, Jeanette moved from country to country until they finally arrived in the United States, where she eventually settled in Boston with her husband, Wesley, who passed away in 2011. Over the course of their 54 year marriage, they raised three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and while her family always came first, she also made time to pursue her love of books, earning a Masters’ degree in Library Science. Jeanette served for many years as an acquisitions librarian for Bentley College, where she became part of a cherished community of colleagues and students.
Another cornerstone of Jeanette’s life was her faith. In 1969, she and a dozen friends gathered in one of their living rooms on Sunday afternoons and formed the nucleus of what would eventually become the 1,000-member Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston in Lexington, MA. She and Wesley led active faith lives, teaching Sunday School, serving as deacons and offering quiet leadership and guidance as the church continued to grow. Their legacy and impact continues to live on through their work, their family and their deep commitment to service.
The last remaining sibling in her family, Jeanette leaves behind three children and their spouses; Timothy and wife Betty Ng, of Dover MA; Jeffrey and wife Jane of Newton; and Leslie and husband Joseph Foley of Sherborn. Her beloved grandchildren include Gregory Wu and wife Anna of Albany NY; Matthew Wu and wife Kristin of Sharon; Brandon Wu and wife Mingshi of Worcester; Thomas Wu of Washington, DC; Christopher Wu of Seattle; Daniel Foley of Brighton, MA; and Maia Foley of Sherborn. Her cherished great-grandchildren include Olivia, Sylvia, Vivian and Cora. She also leaves behind many loving nephews, nieces, and friends.
Donations in Jeanette’s memory can be made to the Friends of Dover Town Library at, www.dovertownlibrary.org/about/friends-of-the-library/, or checks can be sent to 56 Dedham Street, Dover, MA 02030.