Waterford -Jeanette Wilson Hobbs Holley passed away at her home on April 14, 2023. She was 90.
Jeanette was Born March 9, 1933, in Bronx, New York to Emma Frances Egnor Wilson and Fred Platt Wilson. She graduated from Port Chester High School, New York in 1951 with High School and Regent's diplomas, also graduating with a B.S. In Education from the University of Connecticut in 1975.
Jeanette married Frederick John Hobbs in 1953 and had two children: Susan Linda Hobbs, born 1958, died in 1983 and Frederick John Hobbs II, born 1959, died in 2009.
Jeanette retired from the State of Connecticut in 1993, having worked at the University of Connecticut, Norwich State Hospital, Avery Point Marine Sciences Institute, and the Department of Developmental Disabilities at The Mystic Education and Seaside Regional Centers.
Jeanette then met and married Breland W. Holley, Sr. in 1993. They had many fun years together golfing, traveling the world, watching UCONN Women’s basketball, and spending time with family and friends. Breland died in 2021.
She served as a charter member of the Waterford Senior Citizens Commission, volunteered at the Groton Senior Center in the Computer Center as an instructor, and was also Waterford's representative on the Eastern Regional Mental Health Council.
Jeanette was a talented painter, loved to garden, enjoyed her sweets, and going out to lunch with friends. She was just an all around great person with an infectious laugh. Her smile lit up the room and her kindness put you at ease. She will be deeply missed by many.
Jeanette is survived by her sisters Emma (Pat) Ellis of Fairfield, CT, Jo Harper of Trumbull, CT, and Anna Hayoz and her husband, Fred of Reston, VA. Granddaughter Laura Vlaun, her husband Josh, and great-granddaughter Layla of Waterford, CT, step son Breland Holley Jr. and his wife Barbara of Shelburne, VT, step granddaughter Allison Holley Capeless, her husband Mark, and step great-grandchildren Trey and Tyler of Shelburne, VT, step son James Holley and his wife Heike of Mystic, step grandchildren Robert Holley of Mystic, CT, Laura Holley and fiancé Christopher DeJesus of Pawcatuck, CT, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be May 23, 11am at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, CT. Celebration of life will be private. Donations can be made to https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative or https://www.lymanallyn.org/giving/donate/