Rockland, Mass.
Jean Marie MacKenzie, 86, passed away at home in Rockland, Mass., on July 22, 2020, with her family by her side. Diagnosed with cancer in recent months, she faced her illness with remarkable bravery.
She was born on May 6, 1934, the daughter of Helen and William Manson. Jean was raised in Dorchester, Mass., and graduated from Jeremiah E. Burke High School. She was employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. in Boston before marrying and raising her four children. In 1974, the family moved to Cutler and later Ellsworth. Jean loved living in Maine and remained in Ellsworth until 2017, when she moved to Massachusetts to care for her beloved sister, Eileen.In Cutler, Jean was active in the Mother’s Club, coached peewee cheerleading and was a Girl Scout troop leader. In Ellsworth, Jean worked at Beal’s Jewelry and Gift Shop. She later worked summers at Lunt’s Gateway Lobster Pound in Trenton and Ruth Foster’s store in downtown Ellsworth.
Jean had boundless energy, enthusiasm and a contagious sense of humor. She made friends easily, always lending a hand, offering advice and making up silly nicknames. She loved British mysteries on PBS, browsing in the stores and doughnuts. Above all, she adored her two grandchildren, Lorelei and Duncan.
Jean was predeceased by Gordon, her husband of 42 years, and her sisters, Barbara Grimsley of Greenville, N.C., and Eileen Manson of Rockland, Mass. She leaves behind her four children: Alec, his wife, Kathleen, and daughter Lorelei of Bangor; John, his wife, Stephanie, and son Duncan of Raymond; Caroline of Portland; and Jenny and her husband, Garry, of Portland. She leaves behind her brother, Ronald Manson of Pembroke, Mass., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours at the Sullivan Funeral Homes, 45 East Water St., Rockland, Mass., will be on Friday, July 31, from 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to NVNA and Hospice, nvna.org.