Jean Mary Carswell

Jean Mary Carswell, 87, of Charlottesville, quietly passed away Friday, February 24, 2017, at Martha Jefferson Hospital after battling pneumonia. Born September 27, 1929, the only child of Janet and Gerald Donlan, she was raised in New Jersey, and attended the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art where she met her future husband, James G. Carswell. Married in 1952, they continued their careers in Art and raised their family in Keswick. Using her talents she enjoyed color, style, gardening, and flowers and started a life in retail with the Chimney Corner Studio Shop. Later seeing the need for a kitchen shop, she became the original "Happy Cook". After retirement, she enjoyed her involvement and volunteer work at The First Presbyterian Church. She is survived by four sons, Jim, Tom, David, and Bill and their families; sister-in-law, Cornelia Serota; and nephews, Bruce and Kevin Carswell and their families. Aside from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her most favorite part of life was The Keswick Garden Club. As a founding member, she remained involved to her final years. Jean was so very fond of her many fellow gardeners and flower arrangers, forming lifetime friendships. In life, she appreciated the beauty of flowers so much. A memorial service will be conducted 3:00pm Friday, March 10, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 500 Park Street, Charlottesville. A private family inurnment was conducted at Grace Episcopal Church in Keswick. In lieu of flowers, her wish would be that you honor her memory by giving the gift of flowers to someone to brighten their day.