Jean Ann (Merrill) Kennedy

Jean Ann Merrill Kennedy of Newton died peacefully at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at age 88, surrounded by her beloved family. Born in Portland, ME, on October 8, 1936, the daughter of Charles and Alice Merrill, Jean grew up in South Portland, ME, with her family and graduated from South Portland High School in 1954. She married her sweetheart, Donald Gerry Kennedy of Peaks Island, ME, in 1959, and together they shared 64 wonderful years.

Jean took Associate Degrees from Westbrook Junior College and Thomas College. 

Jean’s life was filled with music. She sang in choirs from South Portland, ME, Enid, OK, Weston, MA, Newton, MA, and England. Jean was a volunteer in the archives of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for thirty-five years. She was a clarinetist with several concert bands and the University of New Hampshire Summer Music Program. Jean was a member of the Social Science Club of Newton for twenty-eight years. 

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband Donald and is survived by her devoted daughters, Kimberly McDonald (Michael) and Christie Wyman (Francis). She was the loving grandmother of Adreck McDonald (Katy), and great-grandmother to Samuel, Callum, Anylah, and Lee. She was the dear sister of the late Charles Merrill. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge St Newton Corner on May 3, 2025, at 11 AM, her spiritual home for many years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating in Jean’s memory to the Weston METCO Scholarship Fund, as the METCO program was near and dear to her heart from its inception in 1966. Weston METCO Scholarship Fund, c/o Will Wrean, Treasurer, 49 Bay State Road, Weston, MA 02493.