JEAN LAMBERT JACKINS

TOPSHAM – Jean Lambert Jackins, 76, of 15 Blueberry Lane, an educator, homemaker, feminist and citizen activist, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006, at Midcoast Senior Health Center, Brunswick after bravely battling a lengthy illness. Born Jean Lambert March 10, 1929, in Houlton, she was the 12th of 13 children (10 brothers!) born to Milton B. and Mildred Allen Lambert. Her father was the principal of Houlton High School for years and the school was eventually named after him. Jean had a lifelong love of learning. Books, newspapers and the dictionary had been constant companions. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from what was then known as Farmington State Teacher’s College. Throughout her life she participated in continuing education seminars and later in life, many elderhostels. Jean began her teaching career in 1950 in Bath at the Weeks Street School. On June 20, 1950, she married Roger Jackins, also of Houlton. They raised three children in Bath, whom Jean infused with her desire to learn, think and debate. While her children were in grade school, Jean co-directed the Punch and Judy Nursery School in their home on lower Washington Street. Always an excellent bowler, Jean participated in several national tournaments and bowled in many leagues well into her 70’s. She was a great Girl Scout Leader, enthusiastic gardener, traveler, Scrabble player, environmentalist and cook. She co-owned an antique shop for several years. Jean took great joy in music and was always active in it. She played clarinet in the Houlton High School Band and town band and in college. Beginning with the national Bicentennial in 1976, she enjoyed touring with the Mariners Fife and Drum Corps, based in Bath. From 1972 to 1989, Jean was a Senior Data Collector for the U.S. Census Bureau, interviewing Maine residents. She thoroughly enjoyed meeting and following up with Mainers. In the 80’s Jean was very active in various roles with the National Organization for Women and the League of Women Voters, having always worked hard to secure civil rights for women. She was a Notary Public in Topsham and a ballot clerk there for 18 years. Jean was predeceased by brothers, Blaine, Clair, Deane, Milton and Winston Lambert; and a sister, Crete Lambert Gentle. She is survived by a daughter, Karen Jackins; two sons, Jeff and Brian Jackins; and four grandchildren; brothers, Keith, Bryce, Don, Neil and Duane Lambert; and a sister, Joyce Lambert Saunders, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd., Topsham, of which Jean has been an avid supporter. A luncheon will be held after the service. Jean requested that guests dress in bright colors. In lieu of flowers, Jean would welcome memorial donations made to one of the following charities, McGill’s Community Band (Houlton), Joseph Fagnant, 7 Bird St., Houlton, ME 04730, Development Office, Maine State Music Theater, 22 Elm St., Brunswick, ME 04011 or Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Rd., Topsham, ME 04086.