Jean Elizabeth Thomas (nee Grady), 98, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life.

Born on September 25, 1926, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Jean was the youngest of four children of Mary and Daniel Grady. A gifted speaker from a young age, Jean competed in a National Oratorical Contest at 14, and by 16, had entered Pembroke College at Brown University where she studied economics. It was there she met a young naval officer, Matthew L. Thomas, who would become her husband and life partner.

Jean and Matthew married in 1949 and went on to raise six children together - a life full of both joy and challenge. When Matthew was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Jean paused her own career to care for him and their family, embodying grace, loyalty, and courage. After his passing, she returned to the classroom, earning her master's degree at Boston University and becoming head of the business education department for the Weymouth School System.

In her retirement, Jean's life expanded in ever-widening circles. She became a world traveler, visiting over 20 countries - from Australia to Egypt to Russia, and especially to the green hills of her ancestral Ireland. Each autumn brought a new passport stamp and a new story to share.

Back home, Jean turned her energies to the service of others. Through Guardian Ad Litem, she stood beside abused women in courtrooms as an advocate and ally, helped shape global teaching standards through the international Teachers Association, and gave her time and warmth to The Duxbury Thrift and Consignment Shop where she found a circle of friends who became as close as family. A quiet philanthropist, Jean responded to nearly every charitable appeal that crossed her path, giving most generously in recent years to CCALS (Compassionate Care ALS) of Falmouth, Massachusetts, in memory of her beloved son, Mark, who passed away in 2018.

Jean's mind remained brilliant and engaged throughout her life. She devoured books, completed a New York Times crossword every Sunday, and could hold court on world affairs with wit and humility. She never missed an episode of Jeopardy! and cheered on the Red Sox like someone with a direct line to Fenway.

Above all, Jean will be remembered for her extraordinary spirit. She had a way of making every person feel truly seen as if they were the most interesting, brilliant and delightful soul she had ever encountered. And in that moment, they were.

She was elegance without pretense, strength without severity, humor without edge, and kindness without condition.

Jean is survived by her sons Laurence (and wife, Barbara), Cletus (and wife, Evelyn), and Robert; her daughters, Rosanne (and partner, Donald Hannan), Nina (and husband, Dan McCarthy) and by her daughter-in-law, Mimi. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren - Lori Quinn, Jonathan, Matthew, Andrew, Patrick McCarthy, Mark, Lizzy Alley, Kate and Paul - and in her eleven great-grandchildren, who carry forward her light.

A memorial mass will be held in celebration of Jean's life on Saturday, June 28, at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Church in Duxbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://ccals.org/ Compassionate Care ALS, an organization close to her heart.

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