Jen Thayer

Jen Slayton Thayer, age 66, died peacefully on Monday, July 15th, 2024. She was predeceased by her father, Harvey H. Thayer; brother, David Straw Thayer and niece, Holly Parsons. She leaves behind her mother, Pollie Straw Thayer; her brother Harvey H. Thayer, Jr. and his wife Valerie Kolligian Thayer and their two daughters, Caroline and Olivia Thayer; her sister Tracy Parsons, and her husband, Peter Parsons and their three children Josh Parsons, Emily Parsons Bletzer and her husband Matt Bletzer and their three children Zeke, Claire and Eloise; as well as their son, David Parsons and his fiancée, Emmy Berg.

Jen grew up in Dover, MA, lived in the town of Helensburgh, Scotland and summered in Little Compton, RI. She attended Dover-Sherborn High School, where she met many of her best friends. She graduated from Gould Academy before advancing to Colby-Sawyer College. She left college early to work at Polaroid, where she remained employed for over two decades, before finishing her career at The Red Roof Inn and Savers. She worked hard, was reliable and befriended many colleagues.

For the past three decades, Jen lived in a lakeside cottage in Hudson, MA. It was her home and sanctuary. She had a green thumb and she loved to watch and feed the birds, especially the cardinals and hummingbirds that reminded Jen of her father and mother. She was a huge tennis fan, watching every tournament on television, rooting for Rafa Nadal who was by far her favorite player. Music was another passion; she favored the classic artists of her teenage years.

Jen was a very independent and private person. She lived the life she wanted to lead, and she refused to burden anyone along the way. She was as honest and real as they come. Although she was not proficient with technology, somehow she found a way to communicate with the people that she cared most about almost every day. Jen’s calls were eagerly anticipated and a day without Jen’s laugh was just not complete.

Jen was a happy, caring and loyal, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She channeled her love into her family, friends and her many pets. She was the God Mother to a half a dozen lucky kids with whom she enjoyed staying in close touch. She was a good listener and was extremely generous. Jen freely shared all her gifts – both material and spiritual – and for that she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

To the end, her friends reciprocated with their loyalty and kindness - you all know who you are - and Jen and her family are forever grateful.

A gathering to remember Jen will be held at a later date. Contributions in her honor can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116.