Jean Hislop Peabody

Jean Balfour Hislop Peabody passed away on Thursday morning June 30th at home in Waterford with her daughters by her side. She was born in New London on June 21, 1925, the daughter of Graham Shiels Hislop and Frances Peckham Hislop.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband of 28 years, Raymond Avery Peabody Jr., sisters, Elizabeth “Tibby” Kellander, Catherine Nicholson, “adopted” brother Richard Nye, and her son Raymond Avery Peabody III. She is survived by her daughters, Ann F. Peabody of Waterford, Ellyn L. Peabody, (Patrick), of Oakland, CA, grandson Raymond A. Peabody IV, (Kristin), granddaughter, Jennifer G. Peabody, (Mike), great-grandsons, Jacob Bergeson, Jackson Bergeson, Lachlan Burdy and great-great grandson, Finn Bergeson. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jean grew up on Channing Street in New London where she lived until she married Ray in October 1949 and then moved to Waterford. She had many fond memories of her childhood and youth, roller skating in Williams Park, sledding on a closed Vauxhall Street, sitting on the front porch with her mother, sisters and many friends and many nights’ playing cards while listening to the radio in the front parlor. She especially liked to talk of her experience on the day of the 1938 hurricane, walking home from school as trees fell all around her.

She graduated from Williams Memorial institute in 1943. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in New London from her baptism in 1925 to her death. For many years, she taught Sunday school, was an active member of the choir and the Ladies Guild, where she helped to run church fairs, the famous chowder lunches and community dinners.

In her years living in Waterford, Jean was a member of the Great Neck School PTA, a Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Goshen Fire Department Auxiliary, and a member of the Goshen duck-pin bowling team. She was also involved with Waterford Little League and Babe Ruth League when her son was a player. Jean loved to swim and she and her family were life-long members of Osprey Beach where she spent many happy summers in the water, picnicking, and enjoying an evening cocktail on the beach.

On three different trips Jean fulfilled her dreams to travel to Paris, England and Scotland. Driving around with Ann and Ellyn throughout the UK and Scotland, visiting her family’s ancestral home and enjoying the food and countryside. She loved to read, do cross-word puzzles and was a life-long Red Socks Fan, even sitting along the outfield fence at Fenway when Ted Williams came over and waved to her in the stands. During WWII, Jean worked at Electric Boat in the Tracing Department. In the 1970s, she worked at Brater’s Art Framing and Gift Shop on State Street in New London, then as bookkeeper for City Coal Company until she retired. She was accountant and a Vice President of her husband’s businesses, working until she was 85 years old for Hydrospace Systems.

Throughout her life she was a supportive wife and mother to her three children and her grandchildren. She was always there to give a hand, sit in the audience applauding and offer help wherever it was needed. She was a great cook and could throw a damn good party. Her family and friends will miss her. She is the last of a generation that could recall much of the turbulent life in the 20th century.

The family would like to thank everyone who assisted her in her final days, especially the Hospice Team from Hartford Health Care, Nurse Duffy Havens, the nursing team and the social workers. A special thanks also to caregiver, Holly Fredericks for her kindness and Seniors Helping Seniors.

Services will be private and held at a later date.