Jean C. Maynard

Shrewsbury - Perhaps if Jean Maynard could have written a thank you note as the year drew its end it might say ‘Care deeply, think kindly, act gently and be at peace with the world. . . thank you for being a part of my life . . .and making it a very happy one!’

Jean died at home with her family gathered by her side on Monday, January 2, 2023 after a battle with a cancer. She was 78.

Born on July 31, 1944 in Worcester she was a daughter of the late Peter and Josephine (Micillo) Nygard. Raised in Holden she was a graduate of the Wachusett Regional High School with the class of 1962. She married Edward R. Maynard in St. Ann’s Church on October 29, 1966 and they made Shrewsbury their home since 1979.

Jean worked as an administrative executive for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Division of Environmental Management, now D.C.R. Her primary role was with the pools and skating rinks. Retiring in 2001 Jean was not one to sit still. She worked as a bus monitor for AA Transportation in Shrewsbury where she was very much loved and appreciated by the students, parents and staff of AA.

Active in her parish of Saint Anne’s she volunteered countless hours in its free medical clinic, quietly advocating and helping for so many in need. She served as Eucharistic Minister and was always helping at the annual Italian Night and St Patrick’s Day dinners at the Fr. Smith Center. Jean was instrumental in establishing and working in its bereavement ministry. She enjoyed her friendships from the Shrewsbury Women’s Club where she served as a board member.

Jean kept active daily. She took brisk walks and played countless rounds of golf at Juniper Hills Golf Course in Northborough. Workouts with friends each week, often twice, in Connie Bartelson's group at Saint Mary's Church 'Senior Sweats' was more about the friendship, a few giggle’s and the added bonus of being able to proclaim she exercised!

She was her grandkids number one cheerleader and attended all of their events. Evan, Jordan, Nicholas, Kyle, Dominic and Trey could always count on seeing their grandma on the sidelines, in the bleachers or at a rehearsal or concert. Most recently in October she was able to witness the first marriage of a grandchild when Kyle welcomed Katie into the family.   

In addition to her husband of 56 years, Ed, she leaves her daughters, Charlene A. Frohock (Ronald) of Webster, Michelle J. Williams (Floyd) of Chesapeake, Virginia and Tracy M. Porcelli (Franco) of Oxford; her grandchildren, Evan Frohock, Jordan Williams, Nicholas Williams, Kyle Frohock (Katie), Dominic Porcelli and Trey Williams; her sisters, Nancy Scholl (Francis) of Oxford and Rose M. Turo (late Francis) of Shrewsbury; her sister-in-law, Beverly Campbell (late Paul) of Worcester and the late Maureen Taylor; many nieces & nephews and a cousin with whom she remained close, Cathy Conway of Marlborough.

Family and friends will honor Jean’s life by gathering for calling hours on Saturday, January 7th,  from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Saint Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, followed by her funeral Mass at 11 a.m.  Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in her name may be made to Saint Anne’s Parish, Human Services, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

Arrangements by James & John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.