Jean Grivelle (Yereance) Zapple of Falls Church, VA and Harwichport, MA, died of natural causes on Friday, March 19, 2021, at Pleasant Bay Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Brewster, MA. She was 100 years old.
The daughter of Edna Seitz Yereance and Alexander Woodward Yereance, Jean was born in South Orange, New Jersey, on July 30, 1920. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Z. Walker and husband David Vaughan of Naples, FL; daughter, Elizabeth J. Lowell of Chatham, MA; son, Robert A. Zapple and wife Michele of Wilmington, NC; son, Peter J. Zapple and wife Robbie of Falls Church, VA; and son, David N. Zapple and wife Sandy Zak of Manassas, VA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Nicholas Robert Zapple, and her daughter Margaret Ann Zapple.
Jean graduated from Smith College in Northampton, MA and received a Master’s Degree from Massachusetts State College (later to become the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.) In 1943, she enlisted in SPARS, the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve, becoming a member of its first class of women officers. She served with distinction and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1945, Jean married a fellow Coast Guard officer, attorney Nicholas Robert Zapple, later counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee.
After the war, Jean and Nick moved to Falls Church VA, where they raised their six children. A devoted and loving mother, Jean fostered a love of the arts and culture in her children, while encouraging each child to develop their unique skills and follow their passions. During the decades of family meals and events, Jean taught civility and graciousness by example. Her generous spirit welcomed every boyfriend, girlfriend, business associate, or stray neighbor who banged on the door at dinnertime. She had the remarkable gift of making everyone feel welcome in her home. Jean was also an avid supporter of education, a dedicated volunteer in local school functions, and a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), which honored her for more than 50 years of support.
A skilled Scrabble player, a Sunday New York Times crossword player, and an avid reader, Jean devoured four or five books a week. She enjoyed the family’s summer home on Cape Cod for 65 years. She was a docent at the Harwich Historical Society and box office volunteer at the Harwich Junior Theatre. Her greatest pride was her garden at the Cape house, that to the delight of all and the surprise of no one, produced a riot of color and beauty each spring.
Jean Zapple was the kind of mother and friend everyone wishes they had – beautiful, smart and loving, and a thoughtful and patient listener with wonderful advice for those smart enough to ask. We were so lucky to have her with us for so long, though 100 years doesn’t seem long enough.
The Zapple family would like to express our appreciation to the staff at Pleasant Bay Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and attentive care.
Jean’s ashes will be interred with her husband’s at the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery, VA, with military honors. A private family ceremony will be held at that time.
Condolences may be shared with the family at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home (www.doanebealamesharwich.com ).
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Harwich Historical Society, 80 Parallel Street, Harwich, Massachusetts 02645 (http://harwichhistoricalsociety.org/) or the AAUW Falls Church Area (VA) Branch at FallsChurch-VA
