Jean M. Fox

AMHERST, with former Cape Cod residences in Eastham and Yarmouthport - Jean M. Fox, 92, passed away at Bridges by Epoch Memory Care in Mashpee on January 14, 2019. She was born on May 1, 1926 in Haverhill, MA, the daughter of Irving and Helen Manning, and sister of Reed Manning. She was raised in Merrimac, MA. and graduated from Merrimac High School in 1943. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1947, and was employed as a psychometrist at the Northampton State Hospital.

Jean Fox was married for 63 years to Dr.Thomas W. Fox, retired Head of the Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. Dr. Fox passed away on September 3, 2011 at the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke, and is buried in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Jean and Tom have two daughters: Cynthia Fox (Stephan Berrick) of Brewster, and Sandra Fox of Santa Cruz, California, dear friend Margaret B. Cook (Robert Graham) of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, four grandchildren: Jenny Wagner (David Wagner) of San Jose CA, Jacob Berrick (Jennifer Berrick) of Plymouth MA, Arielle Berrick of Oakland CA, and Benjamin Berrick of Seattle WA, and four great-grandchildren: Stella and Ethan Berrick, and Nathan and Daniela Wagner.

Jean lived a busy life as a full-time wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, cook, baker, party planner, seamstress, quilter, knitter, card player, reader, friend, gardener, and community volunteer. She and Tom had a large circle of very close friends, and made their home a center for dinners, celebrations and welcoming visits for friends and family. They also enjoyed traveling together to England, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, Nova Scotia, and several Mississippi River paddleboat jazz music cruises. As grandchildren began to arrive, they enjoyed all their time together, and participated in school activities, vacations, graduations, and weddings with support, enthusiasm, and tremendous pride. Jean’s commitment to helping others, and her nurturing style was appreciated by all her friends, family, and community.

Jean’s family and friends are very grateful for the exceptional support of the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center (Brewster), and the hands on care by homecare provider and friend Mary Wallace, and the staff at Bridges by Epoch Memory Care, especially Chef Patty Ericson-Taylor, and Activity Director Pat Laferriere. We would also like to thank Paulette Campbell from Connected Living who facilitated weekly Skyping opportunities between Jean and her family in California and Beacon Hospice Staff who provided additional care and comfort in Jean’s last days.

Visitation will be held at Doane, Beal, and Ames Funeral Home, 729 Route 134, South Dennis Friday January 18 from 9:30-11am and followed by the memorial service at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center 2095 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, and the Activity Music Programs at Bridges by Epoch 462 Old Barnstable Road Mashpee, MA 02649.