Jean G. (Graves) Jones

Jean G. Jones, of North Reading, passed away on Sunday, October 8 at Winchester Hospital, at the age of 92.

Mrs. Jones was predeceased by her late husband of 67 years, Bradley Jones, as well as her brother, Joseph Graves. She is survived by her three children, Karen Billingham and her husband Marc, Mark Jones and his wife Ying and State Representative Brad Jones and his wife Linda. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Mark Jr, Greg, Christopher, Alexis, and Nicholas.

Jean was born on August 21, 1931 in Newton, Massachusetts, the daughter of Everett & Margery Graves. She enjoyed many years at her family’s farm in Brentwood, New Hampshire where she developed her love of horses.  She graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1952 where she also met her future husband, Brad. Anyone who knew Jean, heard the story of how they met while dissecting a frog in science class at UNH. They married in December of 1952 shortly before Brad shipped out to serve in Korea.

Later in life Jean discovered she had been adopted, this news allowed her to become part of a large and caring family.  Together her new sister and two new brothers spent fond times getting to know each other and their respective families. She is survived by her sister Eleanor Simmons and predeceased by her brothers Richard Going and Warren McDonald.

Jean started her career working as a paralegal in a Boston law firm.  She transitioned to raising her family as her full time focus and moved to North Reading in 1959. She immediately became part of the community’s fabric.

In 1965 they moved their family to their current home, which she loved and lived in for 58 years.  Jean treasured living in North Reading on “her hill”.  She enjoyed feeding the birds on a daily basis and admiring all the wildlife that made its way through her yard, never without a pet dog or cat and sometimes several.

Jean played in the North Reading Ladies’ Softball League for many years and was an avid bowler in the Ladies’ Bowling League.  She enjoyed her Tuesday mornings at the alley with friends from around the North Shore, bowling well into her 80’s.

Jean helped establish the North Reading Chapter of the Citizen Scholarship Foundation (CSF) where she and her husband volunteered for nearly 40 years. She spent thousands of hours working tirelessly to help raise money to assist North Reading students afford a college education.

Jean lived a full, happy and meaningful life and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

At her request, graveside services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please honor Jean’s support of CSF with a donation in her memory to North Reading Dollars for Scholars.  Please note in the memo line; the Bradley & Jean Jones Endowment Fund, PO Box 529, North Reading, MA  01864.