Jeanette was born and raised in the small, rural town of Norridgewock, Maine (north of Augusta in Sommerset County). Her father worked for the State Highway Department while her mother, a beloved member of the community, worked in the school cafeteria, making sure the school children had a good, hot meal every day.
Jeanette, the middle of 3 sisters, has many fond childhood memories. She says back then was a time of little technology and no computers, so “we made our own fun, using our imaginations.” She says her simpler childhood provided her a true sense of community.
After high school, Jeanette trained to be a nurse and at 19 married Fred, a marine in the Korean War. The couple settled in Connecticut where Fred worked for Pratt and Whitney aircraft manufacturers and Jeanette for Aetna insurance. They had 3 children.
Always active and creative, Jeanette enjoyed crafts like knitting and sewing, making sweaters and other clothing for her children. She also liked to bake. Every Christmas she’d make a batch of her special spritz cookies for her family, creating a tradition that is still carried on by her 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
In 1986, Jeanette and Fred retired to Port Orange, Florida, where they lived for thirty years. In 2016 Jeanette moved to Decatur House to be closer to her family.
Decatur House is fortunate to have Jeanette as part of our community. She remains active, staying busy participating in our activities and programs. After all, her self-proclaimed slogan is “Life is for living, not for sitting!” You said it Jeanette!
