PERU — Jeannette Mary Heath, 78, of Peru, passed away at her home on the evening of Dec. 24.

She was born in Mexico, March 6, 1932, a daughter of Benoit J. and Emma (Collette) Bernard. Jeannette attended Ste. Theresa and Mexico High schools. She also attended the University of Maine at Farmington.

In 1954, Jeannette was employed at the Rumford Bank and Trust Co. She continued at Maine National Bank until 1975. She worked as a bookkeeper, until her retirement in 1994, at Towles Hardware in Dixfield. She married Robert M. Heath on June 16, 1972. She proposed to him and became the mother of his children.

Jeannette was a loving wife and mother, an avid reader and proud collector of classic novels. She was an actress who performed in many RAAPA productions. Jeannette was an artist who displayed her work in several area businesses. She was an excellent gardener, baker, an avid Red Sox fan, loved all animals and was a longtime member of the Audubon Society and ASPCA. Jeannette was a woman of intellect, artistry, wisdom and had a great sense of humor.

Surviving are her children, Peter Heath and his companion, Carey Sylvester, of Peru, Roben Dolloff and special son-in-law, Barry, of Peru, Heidi Heath and her companion, Rick Burgess, of Mexico and James Taylor of Oxford; her sister, Claire Farwell of Rumford and Florida; grandchildren, Katie and Michael Dube, Heather Burgess, Rick Burgess and wife, Erica, Amy Burgess and James Taylor, Jr.; and seven great-grandchildren, Phoenix, Blake, Cassidy, Carlee, Tiarah, Trenton and Tessah.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Heath; stepdaughter, Debra (Heath) Dube; sisters, Lucille Gaudet, Olivette Richard, Anita Quigley and Dorris Farrell; brother, Benoit Bernard Jr.; and many of her beloved animals.

Jeannette will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We wish to express a very sincere thanks to all the staff at the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and to many wonderful people in the community who gave much love and comfort to Jeannette and the family.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com.