Georgette M. Jean, 96, died on January 1, 2007 at the Courville in Manchester, surrounded by her family. She was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on August 4, 1910, one of six siblings, a daughter of Rose Anna and Raoul Metilly. After completing her education at Island Pond, Vermont, Mrs. Jean returned to her beloved Manchester, where she remained a vital part of the French-Canadian community for the rest of her life, working at the Association Canado-Americaine (ACA) until her retirement in 1975. Mrs. Jean was also a dedicated member of the Villa Marie Antoinette, ACA, holding the position of Secretary/Treasurer for over 50 years.
Mrs. Jean was an active member of the ACA Social Committee of New Hampshire, where she served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice-President. She served on the Executive Council of the Federation Feminine Franco-Americaine, was a member of La Societé Historique Franco-Americaine, Le Council Franco-Americain du New Hampshire, and a founding member and President of the Alliance Francaise. In 1983, Mrs. Jean was named the "Franco-American Woman of the Year." In April 2002, Mrs. Jean became only the second person in the history of the ACA to be presented with the highest level of achievement in the Legion of Honor, the rank of Commander. She was also presented with the key to the City of Manchester in recognition of her lifetime of commitment to the Franco-American community.
In addition to her work as a community leader, Mrs. Jean was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. In 1935, she married Lucien L. Jean, with whom she had three children Cecile, Pauline, and Roger. Mr. Jean was the manager of the Leavitt's Department Store's shoe departments for over 50 years. Mrs. Jean and her husband instilled in their children and grandchildren a strong work ethic, and a commitment to serving one's family, church and community. A devout Roman Catholic, Mrs. Jean was a lifelong parishioner of St. Theresa's Parish, where her husband served as Eucharistic Minister.
Mrs. Jean and her husband became experienced horticulturists in their "retirement", regularly supplying local nurseries with quality stock through their business, Star Brand Violet House. Mrs. Jean was well known for keeping her gardens immaculately pruned, and for tidying the floral displays of local establishments that were not quite up to par. Notoriously unable to sit still, Mrs. Jean was an avid traveler who spent the better part of her later years exploring the world with family and friends and reveling in the thrill of adventure, whether in distant lands or in her much-cherished Sunday drives. Mrs. Jean's innate authority, strong will, and dignity earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her and we mourn the loss of her regal presence in our lives.
Lucien Jean predeceased Mrs. Jean in 1985, after 50 years of marriage. Mrs. Jean is survived by her brother, Paul Metilly and wife Doris of New Port Richey, Florida, her sister-in-law, Claire Poulin of Manchester, her daughter, Cecile Couturier and husband Donald of Manchester, her daughter, Pauline Boulanger of Manchester, her son, Roger Jean and wife Francine, of Bedford, her five grandchildren, Diane Scholfield, Marc Couturier, Pauline Wentland, Louise Berry, and Bonnie Boulanger. Mrs. Jean also leaves behind her seven great-grandchildren, Gregory, Matthew and Daniel Scholfield, Zoe Wentland, Brendon Couturier, and Catherine and Allison Berry, her nieces and nephews, her Courville family, and many other family members and friends.
A Mass of Christian burial took place Friday January 5, 2007 in St. Anselm Abbey Church, 100 St. Anselm Drive, Goffstown.
Burial followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Goffstown Rd. Manchester.
Directions from Lambert Funeral Home to Saint Anselm College