NEW BEDFORD — Marjorie Elizabeth (Jason) Jenney, 95, of New Bedford and Fairhaven, wife of the late Dr. William L. Jenney, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 12th at the Isle Rehabilitation Center in Fleming Island, Florida. Mrs. Jenney spent the winter in Florida with her daughter.
Born October 14, 1921 in New Bedford, Mrs. Jenney was the daughter of the late Harry Jason and Helen (Morgan) Jason. Mrs. Jenney was the youngest of four children and sister to the late Phyllis Olson, Frances Williams and Harry Jason. As a result of her father’s early death, Mrs. Jenney spent her childhood and teenage years running a boarding house (County and Mill Streets) with her mother and siblings. She credited this early experience in shaping her to be a person who cared for others, accepted responsibility willingly, and helped develop her financial mind.
Mrs. Jenney graduated from New Bedford High School in 1940. She “loved” high school and was active in school leadership, played clarinet in the band, and was the drum majorette for the marching band. At the invitation of her sister, Phyllis, Mrs. Jenney, relocated to Hartford, CT after high school graduation, and graduated from Hillyer Jr. College. Mrs. Jenney worked various office jobs in CT. In 1943, she married William Jenney, in New Haven, CT, at Yale University Chapel. After Dr. Jenney’s graduation from Yale Medical School in 1945, a residency at Hartford Hospital, and Naval service,
Mrs. Jenney returned to New Bedford in 1948 and again in 1961, after her husband completed his residency in general surgery. Mrs. Jenney was a strong partner to her husband. Throughout his medical school years, Mrs. Jenney took various jobs to support them. As the practice grew, she managed his medical office, hired staff, comforted patients and answered after hour phone calls. In the early years, she drove her husband on late night house calls throughout New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Westport. In 1970, she designed a state-of-the-art medical office for her husband.
Mrs. Jenney was a woman of many accomplishments and achievements and received many accolades over the years. Her enduring love for New Bedford, her compassion for people, and financial acumen benefited numerous individuals and non-profit agencies. She began some of her earliest activities on the United Fund (Way) of New Bedford. A few of the agencies she served include the Schwartz Center for children, Inter-Church Council, New Bedford Child and Family Services, YWCA, Coastline Elderly Services and the Center for Human Services. She worked on a committee to manage the Kempton Fund for the City of New Bedford. Some of her efforts resulted in renovation of YW pool area, and Standish House, and creating the Next to New shop (YWCA); development of Investment Clubs for Women (YWCA), financial planning for 41 senior apartments (Coastline Elderly) as well as regular reviews of financial statements and stock portfolios (Interchurch Council). Mrs. Jenney was one of two women to first serve on the New Bedford Institution for Savings Board of Directors. She is an honorary board member (30 years of service) of the Schwartz Center for Children. She served on the Board and Scholarship Committee of the Tri-County Symphonic Band.
Over the years, she faithfully supported the family church, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, for which she is best remembered for helping to begin Tryworks Coffee House. In 1989, she received the Sydney Adams Award from the Interchurch Council. In, 2007, the Standard Times named her “Woman of the Year” for her contributions to the city of New Bedford.
Mrs. Jenney was a long time American Field Services member. She and Dr. Jenney hosted several students including the first AFS student in New Bedford in 1954, Mireille (T’ Sas) Beernaerts of Belgium; Dr. Anna Colli of Italy (1973), Yasuko Mokuno of Japan (1974) and Thomas Jopp of Germany (1975).
Mrs. Jenney had a love of music her entire life. She played the clarinet and oboe in the Dartmouth Community Band and in the Tri-County Symphony Band.
For over 50 years, Mrs. Jenney enjoyed her summer cottage at Widemarsh Beach, Fairhaven. She enjoyed her neighbors, ocean views, setting suns, and birdwatching.
To those who knew her, Mrs. Jenney, had a strong, kind, accepting and generous spirit. She was a social person who had a love of life, her family, friends and her city. She was gifted with a keen/curious type of intelligence, a positive attitude, a resilience during challenging times, a good sense of humor and quick wit. She was a mother to many and was considered a valued advisor who was consulted for her knowledge and opinions. Her love of others was reciprocated and she was beloved by many.
Survivors include: William H. Jenney and his wife Pamela-Gray Jenney of Fairhaven; Lisa Jenney Duncan and her husband John of Green Cove Springs, FL. Claudia Simpson (daughter predeceased); and six grandchildren, Jennifer Morgan Simpson (Fairhaven), Steven and wife Jessica Simpson (St. Petersburg, FL), Anna Jean Gray-Jenney, Hailey Mae Gray-Jenney, Laura Frances Gray-Storey, John Thomas Gray-Storey all of Fairhaven. Mrs. Jenney had nieces and nephews who she remained close to all her life.
The Jenney Family wishes to thank the special caregivers in Mrs. Jenney’s life.
Visitation will be at the WILSON CHAPEL, 479 County St., New Bedford, Ma. on Sunday, May 21, 2017, from 4-6 pm. Her memorial service will take place on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 am. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her name to The American Heart Association, the Dementia Society of America, , YWCA, Schwartz Center for Children, and to a scholarship fund of Tri County Music Association, P.O. Box 414 Rochester. MA 02770.