Jean was born to Hubert Edson and Eleanor (Hunter) Edson on May 23, 1950. She grew up in Coventry, Rhode Island where she attended elementary and middle schools and where she ultimately received her diploma from Coventry High School Class of 1968. During her time at Coventry High, Jean excelled academically as well as outside the classroom as the captain of the cheerleading squad, which she was always quick to point was the only sport offered to girls at the time. Crowned the 1966 Rhode Island Apple Blossom Queen, Jean went on to compete and win several beauty pageants in her late teens and early twenties. Following high school, Jean continued her education at the University of Rhode Island before becoming a stay-at-home mom to four daughters.
Over the years Jean was known for her many hobbies and interests. An avid swimmer, in 2017, at the age of 68, she trained for several months to open swim 1.7 nautical miles across the Narraganset Bay to raise money and awareness for the Bay region and the Save The Bay foundation. Although cancelled that year due to an off-coast Nor’easter, she only continued to train even harder until a shoulder injury sidelined her most recent efforts.
Jean’s interests didn’t stop at swimming. Those closest to her admired her many talents. From beekeeping, gardening, tai chi, cooking, healing touch therapy, to sewing, and crafts; her quest for trying new things and excelling was endless. Ask any close family member or friend and they can attest to her masterful baking skills and artistic talent. Upon request Jean could paint or sketch just about anything with ease and always with humility.
One of Jean’s biggest passions was her love of NFA. Having worked in the student safety department for the last 30 years, the students were the driving force that kept her coming back year after year. The interactions she had with every student she encountered brought her endless joy. During the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s she could always be seen (and heard!) cheering for her daughters at any of the NFA girls’ soccer games. Although not an NFA alumnus herself, Jean was always a wildcat at heart.
Jean is survived by her husband, Tom, of Norwich, CT and four beautiful daughters; Stacie Miller and her partner Thomas Langdon of Shelton, CT; Gretchen Morgan and her husband Jason Morgan of Lynchburg, VA; Kellie Chambers and her husband Larry Chambers of Orlando, FL; Morgan Miller and her partner Chris McNamara of Norwich, CT; grandchildren Kendra Miller of Norwich, CT; Garrett Miller of Oakdale, CT; Madison Morgan of Lynchburg, VA; Bailey Chambers, Avery Chambers and Riley Chambers of Orlando, FL.; two brothers; Dale Edson and his wife Carol Edson of Massena, NY; Ronald Edson of Augusta, GA; and the many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins that she adored. Jean is predeceased by her parents, Hubert and Eleanor Edson and her sister, Janice Edson.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 25th from 3PM to 6PM at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, CT. A private memorial service for family will begin at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jean’s honor to Save the Bay Center, 100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence, RI 02905. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online condolence for the Miller family.
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