Jean Meserve

PORTLAND — Jean W. Meserve, 86, of Portland, passed away peacefully at the home of her son and daughter-in-law early on Saturday morning, Oct. 20, 2018.

She was born Jean Marie West on Jan. 5, 1932, in Biddeford. She attended local schools in Biddeford and then in Portland, graduating from Deering High School in 1950. She graduated from Gorham State Teachers College in 1954, and went on to teach school for one year in Connecticut. She taught several years in Falmouth and over 20 years in Portland. She was once named Teacher of the Year for Maine.

She enjoyed cooking, reading, and knitting; keeping infants and children warm in the winter by knitting hats, mittens and slippers.

She was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Rachel West; and by her husband, John R. Meserve of 24 years, who died in 1980. She never remarried because, as she said, “She had the best.”

She is survived by her only son John A. Meserve of Naples; and two aunts.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, with the Rev. Carolyn Lambert officiating. Interment will be private in the family lot in Naples.

To send a tribute in Jean’s memory please visit www.jonesrichbarnes.com. If so desired, contributions may be made in her memory to: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04092.