Jean Bartholomew

Jean C. Bartholomew, 85, of North Branford entered peacefully into eternal rest on March 10, 2022 at Yale New-Haven Hospital. Jean was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dear friend, and a woman of deep faith. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Richard “Dick” Bartholomew.  Jean, born on May 27, 1936 in Worcester, MA, was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (McGahey) Nugent and Joseph P. Nugent. Jean was raised in Worcester. She attended St. Peter’s grammar and high schools where she and her identical twin sister, Joan were often up for some kind of mischief.  Jean met Dick at the corner spa where he worked as a soda jerk. It was love at first sight and they married August 25,1956. Soon after the birth of their first daughter they relocated to East Haven and later settled in North Branford where they developed a wonderful positive community of neighbors and friends.  She was a devoted member of the Parish Community of St. Augustine in North Branford for close to 60 years. Jean spent 25 years working at Giant Oak Pharmacy in North Branford, creating a family tradition - her two daughters and a granddaughter followed in her footsteps. Jean and Dick loved to spend their summers at their cottage in Dennisport, MA where they made many long lasting friendships. Dick and Jean traveled often with friends and family and were always up for a visit with their daughters and granddaughters. She was proud of her Irish heritage, traveling to Ireland whenever possible. Jean recently moved to Mariner’s Point and, true to her friendly and fun nature, had a crew of friends right away. Jean and Dick developed a life-long friendships in Connecticut, including a group fondly known as “the card club” which brought them laughter, joy and comfort over the years. Jean was an avid shopper and had a particular knack for picking out Christmas tree ornaments for her granddaughters.  “Nana” was adored by her family - especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life as she was to them. She will be remembered as a kind and upbeat person who helped everyone feel comfortable in her presence. Fun, always ready with a story or hand-written note, a caring friend and a proud and doting grandparent.  She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.  Cherishing her memory are her loving daughters, Theresa (Joseph) Kedves of Madison, CT, and Susan (Sylvia Gamboa) Bartholomew of San Antonio, TX, two granddaughters, Natalia (Ken) Feinstein, and Alexia (Dennis) Volpe, and five great-grandchildren, Elliot, Maya Jane, Dylan, Spencer and Evelyn Rose. She also leaves behind her sister Joan Quinlivan of Worcester, brothers-in-law David Bartholomew of Hobe Sound, FL, Michael Bartholomew of Camden, ME, a sister in-law, Nancy Forhan of Paxton, MA, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four infant daughters, brothers James and Gerald Nugent; brothers-in-law Leon, Gerald, and Robert Bartholomew, James Quinlivan, and Marty Forhan, sisters-in-law Loretta, Ruthann, and Mary Bartholomew.

There will be a visitation on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 10am-12pm followed by a noon funeral service at Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Rd, North Branford, CT. Interment will be private.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Yale New Haven Hospital, South Pavilion 6-2, who treated her with dignity and compassion in her final days. In lieu of flowers, Jean’s family asks that you consider making a donation in Jean’s memory to Yale-Smilow Cancer Treatment Center, St. Jude’s, or Star, Inc Lighting the Way (182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851)

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