Jean Winifred Rowell Burrage peacefully passed on Nov. 30, 2019, just three weeks after celebrating her 97th birthday. Jean grew up in Everett, Mass., the second daughter of John and Edith Rowell.
After graduating from Everett High School, she attended Sargent College and Colorado State University in Greeley before completing her degree at Brenau College in Georgia. After moving to Scituate, Mass. with her mother, and working as a secretary in Boston, she married Robert H. Burrage in 1955. Bob and Jean lived in Boston for a few years before moving to Alexandria, Va. where Bob worked as a lawyer.
In 1988, upon Bob’s retirement, Jean and Bob moved to Damariscotta – Jean’s choice after a careful search of possible places to retire. In 2005, Bob passed away, but Jean continued to call Damariscotta home. While she was not one to make public pronouncements (only private ones), she without qualification knew she had chosen well. Jean loved her dogs, her home, gardens, and living here with you!
Jean is survived by her older sister, Margaret Nichols of Newburyport, Mass.; her niece, Barbara and spouse Victor Pierimarchi of Newton, N.H.; niece, Carol and spouse Paul Friesen of Austin, Texas; and nephew, David and wife Carolyn Nichols of Charlestown, R.I. While her nieces and nephew made frequent trips to Damariscotta to see Jean, neighbor Mark Peterson made it possible for Jean to remain in her home until her death. We are so thankful for Mark!
Jean will be laid to rest privately in the Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta.
Donations in Jean’s memory may be sent to Midcoast Humane, 190 Pleasant St., Brunswick, ME 04011; or Skidompha Library, PO Box 70, Damariscotta, ME 04543; and to honor Jean, don’t forget, “Buy local!”
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Condolences, and messages for her family, may be expressed by visiting StrongHancock.com.
