Jean W. Kent (Watrous), age 63, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, formerly of Springfield, Pennsylvania, Big Horn, Wyoming, and Lynden, went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 16, 2016.
Jean was born on July 2, 1952, in Roanoke, Virginia. She was the cherished only daughter of the late Raymond L. Watrous Jr. and Mildred (Thomas) Watrous of Melbourne, Florida.
Jean was raised in Springfield, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of Springfield High School. Jean continued her education at Barrington College in Rhode Island and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from West Chester College in Pennsylvania.
Jean married the “love of her life,” whom she met at the “Blue Church,” Russell H. Kent III, in May 1974 and soon after they started their family. Jean and Russell moved to Big Horn, Wyoming. They lived in Big Horn for six years. Russell and Jean then moved to Lynden, where they raised their children: Nathaniel, Deborah and Joanne.
Jean adored being a wife and mother. She was always there for her family and put her teaching career on hold to be home with her children. Jean’s unconditional love and support for her family was always evident; she was so proud of all of their accomplishments and they were always first and foremost in her life. Jean always did the “little things” for them, whether it was sewing a special outfit, cooking their favorite meal or sending thoughtful packages containing some favorite items. Jean wanted them to know how much she loved them.
When her own children were grown, Jean put her education to use and took a teaching position in Lynden, as a fourth grade teacher. After 12 years, Jean and Russell moved to South Boston, Massachusetts, in 1997 and settled in Tewksbury in 2001. Jean went on to teach second grade students at Abundant Life School in Wilmington, Massachusetts. Jean really enjoyed her students. She loved their open minds, sense of humor and willingness to learn. Generations of students still enjoy reading, thanks to Jean.
Jean was a wonderful seamstress who found time to make pillows, curtains and clothes for her family and friends. Jean also enjoyed cooking, trying new recipes and kitchen experiments. Always the teacher, Jean would grade her meals according to their success at the dinner table.
In her spare time, Jean enjoyed shopping and finding the ultimate bargain or spending time in her flower garden where she was known for the “green thumb” she inherited from her dad. Jean was an avid baseball fan who enjoyed listening to a game on the radio or attending at the ball park. While Jean always rooted for the “home team” wherever she lived, her favorite teams were the Philadelphia Phillies and, of course, the Boston Red Sox.
Jean was a member of the Wilmington Congregational Church where she was a consistent presence who enjoyed being quietly involved in the congregation. Jean’s deeply rooted faith in God sustained her throughout her life. When Jean was called home on Jan. 16, she was ready to be with the Lord and take her place in Heaven.
Jean was the beloved wife of Pastor Russell H. Kent III, devoted and loving mother of Nathaniel H. Kent and his wife Mira of Gwang ju, South Korea, Dr. Deborah A. Kent of Des Moines, Iowa, and Joanne E. Carroll and her husband Samuel of Champaign, Illinois. Jean was the dear sister of Raymond L. Watrous III and his wife Micheline of Belle Mead, New Jersey, and David T. Watrous of Melbourne, Florida, sister-in-law of Terry K. Scancella of Flushing, Michigan, and Tracy K. Pratt of Orlando, Florida. Jean is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends were invited to a memorial service in the Wilmington Congregational Church, 220 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016. Jean’s graveside service was held on Monday, Jan. 25, in Mount Carmel Presbyterian Cemetery, 6410 Lee Jackson Highway, Steeles Tavern, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Partners with Brothers in Asia, 245 Caleb Dr., West Chester, PA 19382; or to Abundant Life Christian School, 173 Church St., Wilmington, MA 01887.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington.
