GLOUCESTER: Jean H. O’Hara, of Gloucester, died peacefully at Seacoast Nursing Home on Monday, March 23, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Newell and Dorothy (Wilson) Keyes.
Jean is survived by her sister, Jackie Campbell and family; daughter, Suzanne Kadiff and husband Earl; long time companion, Richard Johnsen; two grandchildren, Amelia Strader and Olivia Kadiff; and many loving friends and relatives. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas O’Hara and son, William O’Hara.
Jean was a well-known and accomplished Boston-area milliner who worked in the costume shop at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge and the Opera Company of Boston on many productions including King Stag, and Liberties Taken. She taught millinery classes at The School of Fashion Design and costume history classes at the Massachusetts College of Art, where her husband taught illustration. Her talent and reputation landed her many exciting millinery jobs for movies including Three Sovereigns for Sarah, Amistad, and The Crucible.
Jean grew up in Watertown and spent most of her adult life in Cambridge and Gloucester. With her husband and family, Jean spent many summers in Cape Ann as part of the Rocky Neck Art Colony. Her earliest childhood memories were of being with her parents and grandmother on Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. Jean and her husband spent other summers leading tours of Italy where they taught MassArt students to appreciate Italian art, architecture, and culture.
Jean loved being with people and entertaining and ran a seasonal Bed and Breakfast at her home on Leonard Avenue in Cambridge. After retiring she was able to move to her dream house in Gloucester where she settled down with her long-time companion Dick Johnsen. There, Jean spent her time surrounded by friends and family and enjoying her beautiful view of the marsh along the Little River. Jean was an amazing mother and grandmother who was a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to those around her and will be deeply missed.
Her family would like to thank Seacoast Nursing and Rehab Center, Hospice, and The ALS Association for their warm and loving care.
A private graveside service was held at the Seaside Cemetery, Gloucester, MA. A memorial celebration will be held in the summer of 09’ for family and friends, details will be mailed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jean O’Hara to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design Foundation, Fashion Department, 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or to the ALS Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 320 Norwood Park South, 2nd Floor, Norwood, MA 02062.