Jean Margaret (Shea) Rodenhiser, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, ascended to her Lord at the age of 90 on July 27, 2024. She was born on November 1, 1933, in Boston, MA to her late and loving parents Daniel and Jennie (Turner) Shea. She grew up in Medford and Malden, and moved to Framingham in 1960. Jean will be remembered for her kind heart, loving nature, her occasional, endearing stubbornness, and her wondrous spirit.
Jean was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Richard (“Dick”) Rodenhiser. Their 64-year marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them. Jean is survived by her husband and their three children Scott (Kim) Rodenhiser, Gregg (Lori) Rodenhiser, and Janine (Mark) Rodenhiser Hill. She was a loving grandmother to Stephanie Rodenhiser, Alexander Hill, and Harrison Hill. Jean brought joy, laughter and warmth to all those around her. Her legacy will live on through the numerous memories shared by her family and friends.
Jean lived a truly full and inspiring life. She was a free spirit who had an amazing sense of humor and beautiful smile. She had a childlike playfulness and unwavering love of life. She lived with positivity and determination until her final days. Despite significant health challenges in later life, she was undeterred from doing the things that she loved. She always enjoyed meeting new people and truly “never met a stranger.” She was an excellent cook who cherished family gatherings, parties, and any opportunity to spend time with those she loved. She was often in her kitchen, surrounded by countless cookbooks, “trying out” new recipes, especially for holiday meals. Jean also had a deep love for animals. From her Collie dogs and cat to the countless animals she cared for at Macomber Farm, Jean found a true passion in not only caring for the people she cherished but also the animals. Jean was never one to shy away from adventure, taking up horseback riding and skiing when she was well over 40 years old, activities which became lifelong passions where she met numerous, wonderful friends.
Jean enjoyed traveling to’Dick’s hockey tournaments around New England and in California, as well as summer vacations at Lake Waukewan, NH with her children and extended family. She found great pleasure in playing games, and was often heard singing while doing chores, and (silently) correcting grammatical errors. She adored anything- and anyone -Irish, and she especially loved Irish music and stories. Jean was passionate about her Catholic faith and she was a loyal parishioner of the St. Bridget’s Church in Framingham.
A funeral mass will take place Saturday August 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Bridget”s Church, Framingham and interment will follow at the Edgell Grove Cemetery. Funeral home calling hours will be held Friday August 9 from 4-7pm at Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street Framingham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to MSPCA-Angell (350 South Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02130) mspca.org
Jean wished that those who love her would smile, laugh and reminisce together during this time. Although she will be dearly missed, we are grateful for the time we had with her. Her presence will be forever felt in our hearts.
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McCarthy McKinney Lawler Funeral Home