Jean Kathleen Skipper

Jean was born on November 6, 1939 in Hartford, Connecticut to Cecil Joseph and Rena Brennan. Her childhood was in Boston before moving to Chatham in her teens. Being the oldest of nine children, she had many family responsibilities, which she did with unconditional love. She was the loving wife of George Peter Skipper with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. They raised their five daughters in their family home in Chatham.

She worked for Dr. May of the May Institute, Hudson Eldredge Insurance, and managed the finances of Skipper & Sons Paving Company.

Jean loved her family above all else. She traveled well and loved Ireland, Hawaii, and Nashville. She cooked daily and was known for her fish recipe and cream cheese brownies. Her Christmas Eve parties spanned over fifty years and epitomized her giving spirit and love of family and friends. There were no rsvps or invitations. All were welcome! This was true of her home where she stocked the pantry and popsicle drawer of the refrigerator for her grandchildren and the many people who stopped in to spend time with her. She never missed a Celtics game during the Bird, McHale, Parish era. She loved Tom Brady and continued to love him- even after his betrayal to move to Tampa- Jean was always forgiving. She could do a crossword puzzle faster than anyone and had a new found love of Wordle. More than anything, Jean loved being in the company of her husband Peter, close family, and friends.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by five daughters: Colleen Skipper and partner John Kelly of Cambridge and Chatham, Kathleen Van Buren and husband Wendell of Harwich, Sheila Fortwengler and husband Richard (predeceased) of Arlington Virginia, Teresa Sheppard and husband William of Chatham, Lisa Orlandella and husband David of Chatham and eight beloved grandchildren who knew her as ‘Nana Jean’ – Megan, Jim, Catherine, Peter, John, Mary, Cecilia, and Georgiana.

Visitation with the family will be at Nickerson Funeral Home on Crowell Road in Chatham on July 11th from 4:00 to 7:00PM, and a memorial service will be held at Holy Redeemer Church on July 12th at 10:00AM. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.