(04/05/12) Dion, Jean L., 84, passed away on April 5, 2012 at Kent Hospital in Warwick, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of Ernest L. Dion of Coventry. They would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this September. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Agnes (OâConnor) Lehmann.
Beside her husband she is survived by six children: Alan Dion and wife Joan Zeccola of Atlanta, GA, Richard Dion and wife Anne Marie of Warwick, Denise Poyer and husband Edward of Richmond, Thomas Dion and wife Nancy of West Warwick, Daniel Dion and wife Nancy of West Warwick and Jan Dion Roy and husband Robert of North Scituate; her fifteen grandchildren: Jennifer Hogan, Kathleen Dion, Christopher Burgess, Kerrie Spencer, Neil, Nathaniel and Domenic Dion, Benjamin Fontes, George DesRoches, Betty Calcagni, Michael Roy, Adam Getchell, Melanie Houle, Kelley and Julia Carnes; and her thirteen great-grandchildren: Kaleigh Marcotte, Emily and Ashley Hogan, Madeline Houle, Jacob Spencer, Alessandra Dion, George and Cassidy DesRoches, Gabrial and Ethan Calcagni, Natalie and Carlie Roy, Cameron Getchel. She was predeceased by a brother Richard Lehmann.
Funeral from Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, West Warwick at 9:15 AM on Tuesday, April 10 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Maryâs Church, 66 Church Street, West Warwick at 10 AM with interment in RI Veterans Cemetery in Exeter. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Monday. Information and condolences at carpenterjenks.com.
Jean had a life well lived. She is best known for her loving nature and the care she gave to all her family. She helped care for her mother, who passed away when Jean was only 16 years old. Later, she cared for her father, step-mother, and mother-in-law at the end of their lives. Jean cared for her six children, and when they had their own children she cared for them as well. She also cared for Ernie, the love of her life, until he retired. Then, they cared for each other until towards the end of her life, when Ernie cared for her.
Her lifeâs work was that of mother and wife. At different times she worked at the former Outlet Company, New England Telephone, and for Weight Watchers. Jean belonged to numerous community and church committees. She was a devout Catholic and a communicant at St. Maryâs Church in Crompton until she and her husband retired. At St. Maryâs Jean served on the Church Council and as a CCD leader. She was president of the Women Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus in Cranston; a den leader, a member of several PTOâs, and an ardent supporter of all her children and grandchildrenâs many activities. Her family remembers her for also being a breast cancer survivor, the same disease which took her own mother. At the time of her surgery and treatment, over 35 years ago, Jean handled the situation with tremendous grace and dignity, the same way she handled most of the other difficulties in life. Besides spending time with her family, her favorite pursuit was to walk on the beach at sunrise during her winters in Florida. Jean was a faithful friend to many people, most of whom have passed on before her. She was kind and loving to everyone. She will be sadly missed.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Jeanâs memory to: VNA of Care New England/Hospice Care, Gifts of Gratitude, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886 or The Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907.
↧