Mrs. Jean F. (Robinson) MacDougall passed away at Rosewood Nursing Home in Peabody on Aug. 20, 2016.
Jean was born on July 9, 1926 in Saugus, grew up in Cliftondale and graduated from Saugus High School in the Class of 1944. Jean married her Saugus ‘high school sweetheart’, Jim MacDougall, in 1947, after he returned from his tour of duty in Europe during WWII. They built their home in Topsfield and raised three children until his untimely passing in 1961 at the age of 35. Jean returned to her hometown of Saugus in 1961 and, as a self-trained bookkeeper, worked for Quinn Brothers of Peabody, Lappin Industries of Salem and Rent-a-Tool in Revere until her retirement at age 75.
As a single parent, Jean took pride in supporting herself and her family. Jean brought an irrepressible will to overcome adversity with an infectious joy for living. Jean and her lifelong friends Thel MacDougall, Vivien McClintock, the late Phyllis Rossi and the late Irene Sund were central to many years of Friday night revelries at Sunnyside Park. There she was ultimately joined by Howie Long and they both prospered in a special ‘second time around’ relationship.
In her later years, Jean settled at Heritage Heights in Saugus and became active in social and senior center events. An avid reader, game player and traveler; any gathering, party, trip or social event was enhanced by her upbeat spirit, laughter and insight. Even after losing her vision, Jean worked hard to maintain her independent and socially active lifestyle but after several years ultimately placed herself in Rosewood in Peabody where she spent her final days with the support of her loving family.
She is lovingly remembered by her three children, Jay MacDougall and his wife Johnsie of Topsfield, Jim MacDougall and his wife Christina of Topsfield and Jayne Swirka and her husband Stephen of Danvers; four grandsons, Joshua MacDougall and his wife Lorena of Scotch Plains, N.J., the late Benjamin MacDougall, Ian Swirka of San Diego and Cameron Swirka of Boston, and Jean’s great granddaughter, Grace MacDougall of Scotch Plains, N.J.
The family wishes to recognize and thank the staff at Heritage Heights in Saugus and Rosewood Nursing Home for their kindness and professionalism in keeping Jean comfortable, safe and happy.
Service information: There will be a private graveside ceremony for family at a later date. In lieu of flowers and at the families’ request, donations may be made to the Friends of the Saugus Town Library in Jean’s memory. For condolences BisbeePorcella.com. Arrangements by BISBEE-PORCELLA Funeral Home, Saugus.