Jean Adams Nordstrom

jean nordstrom
Jean Adams Nordstrom, 88 died peacefully on Sunday, February 24 surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her best friend and devoted husband of 62 years, Robert Nordstrom of Meriden. Jean was born in East Orange, New Jersey in 1919 but spent most of her early life in New Hampshire. After a year of drama school in Boston, Jean transferred to the University of New Hampshire where she studied English and remained active in the theater. After graduating from the Univ. of New Hampshire in 1941, she enlisted in the Coast Guard and became one of the first female graduates of the Coast Guard Academy achieving the rank of Lieutenant. While stationed in Salem, Massachusetts she met and later married Robert Nordstrom in 1946. Jean and Bob resided in Meriden where they raised their four daughters. Jean was employed for many years as an educator in the Meriden school system and was highly respected in her field, receiving the Educator of the Year Award. She also was active in the community where she was a member of the Charity Club, College Club and several bridge clubs. Of all her accomplishments, Jean was most proud of her family. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters and their families: Susan and Richard Seadale of Meriden, Sara and Peter Hance of Missoula, Montana, Kristi and Richard Ohanesian of Canton and Kathi and Tim Collins of Kensington. She dearly loved her eight grandchildren and three great-grandson in Ireland. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 28 at 6pm at the Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. In lieu of flowers donations in Jean's memory may be made to the William G. Hennessy Scholarship Fund at the University of New Hampshire Foundation, 9 Edgewood Rd., Durham, NH 03824.

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  1. Bob: With our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family from our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rich and Cori Kiewlen and Family

  2. Dear Sara and Peter, By an absolute chance I was reading the paper this morning and found myself reading the obit of what sounded like an amazingly interesting woman: UNH, Coast Guard Academy, Teacher of The Year Award, 4 daughters (always a good thing!). And then the light flashed. Your mom! What a wonderful life. And I am so sorry you have lost her–at least on this side of the ether! There’s always the other side and memories and grandchildren and treasured objects and siblings who will laugh and cry with you. So, here we are giving you a big hug. And also saying, we know this is a crazy time, but would there be a space we can see you before you go back to Missoula? We are around. Call any of these numbers: my cell: 860-301-3004; my office: 860-297-5375; home: 860-344-1424. All our love, Missy and Bruce

  3. Hello -My dad keeps me in touch with all of the family and I was saddened to learn that your mom had passed away.It is really tough at any age to lose a mom.All of you gave her such a full and wonderful life !Your mom was talented , bright and remarkable.Hold on to great memories as they help you through the tough times.Sadly we are not a close family and growing up we were distanced ..but in my heart I truly feel your sadness and keep all of you in my prayers and thoughts.My boys and I have sent a donation to the Scholarship Fund. This is a nice way to communicate.

  4. We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Jean. Our deepest sympathy to Bob and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dena and Peter


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