JACKSON – Jean Farrington, 54, died May 27, 2004. Jean radiated vitality. Those around her were touched by Jean’s spark…her energy, enthusiasm, humor and wit. Jean was loyal, attentive and generous to family, friends, and community. She was born in Berlin, N.H., in 1949, graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in english in 1971, and New Hampshire Technical Institute – Concord with an AS in Nursing in 1981. Preservation of the beauty and resources of the natural world for future generations was a conviction Jean practiced in her daily life. She received enjoyment from numerous hiking, canoeing and camping trips that she shared with her husband, Jim Peary and friends. Jean loved the home that she and Jim built in rural Jackson and delighted in observing the antics of the resident bird and wildlife. Jean was employed as a registered nurse at EMMC from 1981-1999. She was recognized, by her co-workers for the meticulous, intelligent, empathetic care she provided her patients. From 1998-2004, she worked as a volunteer and then employee for Caring Connections, a cooperative program between EMMC and the YWCA, which provides access to breast and cervical health services. Words were vitally important to Jean, both in conversation and reading. She was intellectually curious and a voracious reader. Tacked on the wall next to her desk was a quote from Jorge Luis Borges, “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library”. Jean was an active member of the following organizations: Maine Audubon Society, Unity Area Regional Recycling Center, Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and Natural Resources Council of Maine. She was a contributor to the following organizations: Maine Public Broadcasting Network, WERU, Nature Conversancy, Habitat for Humanity, National Parks Conversation Association, Planned Parenthood, and People for People. Jean is survived by her husband, Jim Peary of Jackson; mother, Gladys Farrington of Berlin, N.H.; brother, Carl Farrington and sister-in-law, Brenda of Hinesburg, Vt.; aunt, Bev and uncle, Lee Sykes of South Portland; nephew, Adam Farrington of Gray; niece, Shannon Surette of Hollis; stepnephew, Davis Audette of Colchester, Vt.; stepnieces, Michelle Audette of Middlebury, Vt., and Sarah Wortheim of Hollis. Jean appreciated the fine working relationship that existed between her and her health providers: Dr. Eric Hartz, Dr. Barbara Vereault, the staff at Cancer Care of Maine, and Rhonda Feiman that helped her deal with the breast cancer diagnosis. Listen…listen family, friends and readers all…in celebration of Jean’s dynamic life in turn towards a loved one, friend, neighbor, community with an intentional act of kindness, generosity, service. To make a donation in Jean’s memory, please contact either Caring Connections, care of Ro LeGasse ENCOREPLUS Library Fund, 17 Second St., Bangor, ME 04401 or Maine Audubon – Fields Pond Audubon Center – care of Judy Kellogg Markowsky, 216 Fields Pond Road, Holden, ME 04429.
JEAN FARRINGTON
