1927 – 2016
RUMFORD — Jean M. Libby, beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully Monday, May 2, after a period of declining health, with her loving husband at her side.
She was born Mary Jean McKenna on Jan. 14, 1927, in Rumford, the daughter of James E. McKenna and Margaret M. Broderick, the only girl among four brothers. As a young girl, she delighted her family by reading for them and singing to them.
Jean attended St. Athanasius School and graduated from Stephens High School in 1945, following the college course, including Latin, French and mathematics. After graduation, she attended St. Joseph’s College in Portland and for many years she was employed at Oxford Paper Co. preparing the daily reports for the quality control department.
She met the love of her life, Lester Libby, while they were both employed by the paper mill in Rumford and they were married on June 29, 1963. They enjoyed 53 years together. To this union four children were born.
Jean was an avid reader and when her family had grown, Jean accepted a position at the Rumford Public Library, from where she retired in 1997. Jean was a devoted Catholic and found strength in her faith. She opened her heart and home to all and took great joy in attending family activities and reunions.
Jean was much loved and will be greatly missed.
Jean is survived by her husband, Lester Libby of Rumford; and children, Rosemarie Fowler and her husband, Steven, of Orono, James Alexander and his partner, Lisa Downs, of Rumford, Margaret “Peggy” Morse of Dixfield; grandchildren, David Duguay and his partner, Jillian Rice, of Dixfield, Christopher Williams, Daniel, Michael, Matthew and Francis “Franc” Fowler of Orono, Tyler and Katherine “Katie” Morse of Dixfield; great-grandson, Alexander James Duguay of Dixfield; a brother, the Rev. Joseph McKenna of Portland; and many favorite nieces and nephews.
Her parents, brothers James, Louis and Peter McKenna and infant daughter, Mary Anne, predeceased her.
Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.
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