Verna Souter

Groton- Verna (Jean) Souter, a musician and artist of Groton/Norwich, passed away on November 1, 2021 in Mystic. She was born on January 9, 1928 in Garfield, NJ., to the late Robert and Virginia (Knichel) Maitland. She married Wilbur Alwin Souter (predeceased) on June 17, 1949 in Hackensack, NJ.

She is survived by sons, Geoffrey A. Souter (JoAnne) of Chester, David R. Souter (Patricia) of Charlestown, RI., daughters Laurie Alfieri (Richard Harens) of Mystic, Lisa Wheeler (Douglas) of Mystic, and grandchildren Margeaux Podaski (Jarrett), Meghan Lusk (Zachary), Adam Wheeler (Hillary), Nathan Wheeler (Heather) and Hannah Harens as well as five great grandchildren. She is predeceased by a grandson David G. Souter, brothers Donald Maitland, Robert Maitland III, David Maitland and sister Carolyn MacDonna.

Jean began her career with Allen B. Dumont television in New York. When Jean and Wil moved to Connecticut, Jean became the secretary for the Taftville Congregational Church. Following this assignment came Supervisor of the Foster Grandparent program for TVCCA. Along the way, she established lifelong friendships.

Jean lived a full life surrounded by family and dear friends. She was an active member of her churches where she and Wil served as Deacon, Trustee, choir member, junior choir director, usher, etc. Notable was Jean’s contribution to the Circuit Rider’s column “Lofty Thoughts.” Her inspirational prose was a monthly highlight for many.

As an artist, Jean sought to find the medium which spoke to her most. She dappled in watercolor, oils, reverse glass, pumpkin painting and finally settled for the pastel Impressionistic style. Her work was accepted in many shows, but she was especially proud when she hung among Connecticut artists at the Converse Art Gallery. She was one to embrace and encourage artists in all venues.

Music was equally satisfying to Jean. She was an active member of The Lebanon Community Chorus under the direction of Bertie Hawkins. No role too small or too big, Jean assumed characters from Oklahoma to The Music Man. The stage; a comfortable setting for her gifts.

“The forces of nature humble me and make me realize that God is in control. I am just a small one of His creations, but I feel His caring. Life- and living- is a gift. We must care for ourselves and each other- as if there is no tomorrow….” Just a note, Jean Souter

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Congregational Church of Lebanon P.O. Box 125, Lebanon CT 06249 or The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) at https://www.macular.org/how-donate