Jean S. Piper: A Life of Family, Faith, and Maine Memories
Jean S.Piper, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories. Born an identical twin to Joan Cross, Jean lived a full and rewarding life, earning “her wings” after 93 years.
Jean began her working life in accounts payable at Field Machinery before dedicating her time to the Town of Chelmsford, serving as an administrative assistant in the Chelmsford School Food Administration. However,her most enduring contributions were made through her family and community involvement.
A founding member of aldersgate united Methodist Church in chelmsford, MA, Jean actively participated in numerous capacities, including serving on the Trustees, Hospitality, outreach, and Education committees.Alongside her beloved husband, Charles (Chuck) Piper, she was a constant presence at her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.
Jean’s heart held a special place for Maine, notably Pleasant Pond in Caratunk. Beginning in the 1950s, the pond became a central gathering place for Jean, Chuck, their children, and extended family. Their waterfront home, fondly referred to as “camp,” was a source of countless memories. Jean delighted in sharing the bounty of the land with her grandchildren, leading blueberry and raspberry picking expeditions that culminated in her renowned muffins, pancakes, and pies. Family meals were a highlight, featuring everything from boiled dinners and baked beans to lobster and clam bakes, each dish perfected with her unique touch.She was also an accomplished seamstress, continuing a tradition passed down from her mother’s side, rooted in the textile mills of Lowell, MA.
Jean is survived by her twin sister, Joan Cross of Skowhegan, ME, and her brother William Saultes and his wife Frances of Madison, ME. She is also survived by her four children: Charles Jr. and his wife Teresa (Leaverton) of Searsmont, ME; Jeffrey and his partner Eman Rootovich of Nashua, NH; Gregory and his wife Lynn (Bungard) of Chelmsford, MA; and Lisa and her husband Jeff Sanborn of Chelmsford, MA. she leaves behind ten grandchildren: Lindsey (and spouse Finn Wilder-Piper), Kathryn (and spouse Hussam Al-Rawi), daniel (and spouse Gretchen Piper), Alyssa (and spouse Zach Watson), Kimberly (and spouse Derek Coffey), Piper matthew, Jeffrey, Micaela (and spouse Conor Brimley), Caitlin and jonathan. She was also a great-grandmother to ten: Ruby, Colette, Yukon, Maeve, Bliss, Wolfgang, Hammoudi, Thurayya, Resha, and Everly.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Community Fellowship, 43 Maple St., Madison ME on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 am (with a live stream available). Following the service, interment of both Chuck and Jean will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery, followed by a 1:00 pm reception back at Christ Community Fellowship – the very location where Jean and Chuck were married on October 15th, 1955, celebrating 70 years of marriage.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Jean’s name to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 242 Boston Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824, or The Pleasant Pond Protective association, P.O. Box 36,Caratunk,ME 04925.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Beacon Hospice Care, whom they described as “truly, angels among us!”