1924 – 2015

AUBURN — Jean H. Hersey, 90, died peacefully and with grace on Sunday, Feb. 8, at her home at Schooner Estates.

She was born on May 22, 1924, in Columbus, Ohio, to James D. and Eva Liles Howard. She graduated from Ohio State University in 1945, and married the love of her life, Charles “Bill” Hersey, on July 23, 1946; he died on April 14, 2009.

She worked for many years as an assistant in his veterinary practice in Bridgton, Fryeburg and Rumford Center.

Jean was the music minister at the Rumford United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years, before retiring from that position in 2008. She was the founder and director of the Church Belles, as well as the choir director for the church. She served on many committees, both locally and at the Methodist Church Conference.

Jean was active in the Christian Valley Literary Club, the Oxford County Literary Club and the Rumford Historical Society. She also served on the board of directors of the Tri-County Mental Health Association and the Maine Council of Mental Health Centers; she served as president of each for several years.

Jean enjoyed performing in the Rumford Area Association of Performing Arts (RAAPA) in the chorus. She was on its board of directors for several years.

Jean resided at Schooner Estates in Auburn, where she shared her love of music, leading hymns and the Schooner chorus. She started the hospitality committee to welcome new members.

She is survived by her four children, James and his partner, Jenepher Moseley, of Sandy Springs, Md., Jane Chandler and her husband, Jim, of Bryant Pond, David and his wife, Vickie, of Springfield, Mo., and Iain of Glendale, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.