Jean Elizabeth Marsden, 75, of Auburn passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 25, 2019. She was born in Lewiston Maine on February 25, 1944 to Edward and Ruth (Morrill) Vining. Jean attended Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School class of 1962 and Bliss College class of 1965.
Jean devoted her life to caring for others in many different forms over the years. Everyone who knew Jean was touched by her love compassion and sense of humor. She was a dietary supervisor at the Lewiston Auburn children's home in Auburn where she was so much more than a cook. She touched the lives of hundreds of children throughout the years keeping in touch with many of them. It was not uncommon for her to bring a group of children home with her for a weekend to spoil them. Her next calling was caring for the elderly at Loveland nursing home in Auburn where she was also the dietitian. Again, she touched hundreds of lives from the residents who live there to all of their family members and co-workers. She would often go against orders and sneak in an extra dessert for that special resident after lunch. Her true calling came later in life when she went to work at the John F. Murphy home in Auburn. There the resident stole her heart! There was nothing that she would not do for “her kids.” Jean would take them on special outings, hold school with them in the dining room, dance with them in the living room and love each one of them unconditionally. Each one of them knew when it was time for their birthday as they would have their own special cake made by Jeannie and supper at Jeannie's house.
Left to cherish in her memory is her daughter, Jo-Ellen Bourgoin and fiancé Tom Timberlake, granddaughter, Melissa Bourgoin and fiancé Corey Chamberlain, special family member Cheryl Marceau "The Princess", sister-in-law Carolyn Vining, brother-in-law Robert King, Nieces and nephews, David and Kathy King, Michael and Mila King, Kenny and Lori Vining, Sharon and Dennis Potvin, Danny Vining and Amy Webster, Tom and Rose Vining, Sherri Kimball and Gary Lucas, Steve and Heidi Vining and several great nieces and nephews. Jean is preceded by her parents, her brothers, Ronald and Kenneth Vining, her sister, Lori Addison and grandson, Adam Bourgoin.
Joellen would like to personally thank Karen Brown, Darlene Robertson and Sylvia Friend for their daily visits and unwavering friendships. You are all considered family. I would also like to thank the many nurses and aids from Androscoggin Home Hospice especially Becky H and Stacey D. Thank you for being with us through this difficult time and always knowing that Jean would never complain and was always more worried about your families and your workload.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Jean to: "The Kids Activity's Fund" c/o Marianne Bonang,589 Minot Ave., Auburn Maine 04210.
