Jean E. (Pearson) Wailes

Her daughter Sandra writes:

I always admired you mom. You were such a strong independent women who took care of us all. We always had a special bond together .I will remember the times we would make crafts and setup at craft fairs and going to the flea markets. I was your shopping buddy, getting up at 3 am on Black Friday to get all those bargains for the kids, and the camping vacations. 

My plan was always to take care of you when the time came just like you did for all of us. With the support of the whole family we were able to make it happen for you. You were there for my first breath, and I was there for your last, and that gives me a great sense of peace that I know I did my best for you. I love you with all my heart.

Josh, her grandson writes:

Some say that "it takes a village to raise a child", but Jean is the super hero without a cape who raised a village of her own. She is the roots of family tree, which has grown quite large over the years. We all thank her for all she has done in her long lifetime, and the love we have received. We love you Grammy, and we will miss you!

Nija:

Jean will always be my Grammy, even though we aren't related. I am a proud to call her my Grammy. She treated me like her own family, because she is always taking care of everyone. Always making sure we are wearing our coats, and taking us out to eat. She reminds me of my  own grandmother. I love her just as much and I will always miss her. I will cherish these memories forever, until I see you on the other side.

Rachelle, her granddaughter writes - In Loving Memory of Jean Wailes

Jean Wailes was a force of nature—unyielding in her strength, steadfast in her love, and unforgettable in her wit. She had a way of making life feel full, even when resources were scarce, and of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. As a single mother, she poured herself into her family, ensuring her children always felt cared for, supported, and, above all, loved.

Jean’s love didn’t always come in the form of hugs and kisses. Instead, it showed up in a blanket offered when you were cold, a meal cooked to make your day better, or the quiet way she put everyone else’s needs before her own. Her devotion to her family mirrored the example set by her mother, a legacy of putting family first that Jean carried with her throughout her life.

She was independent, sharp-witted (sometimes hilariously at her children’s expense), and never afraid to speak her mind. Jean was a tomboy at heart, a handyman by necessity, and a creative soul who could turn arts and crafts into masterpieces. From cheering on her children’s childhood endeavors to making every holiday and family gathering feel magical, Jean had a knack for bringing joy and comfort to those around her.

Her interests were as eclectic and colorful as her personality, when Jean wasn't cruising around town on her "Silver Pigeon" scooter. She loved camping trips, scary movies, drive-ins, and dancing. She delighted in science fiction adventures like Godzilla, The Time Tunnel, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Whether it was cheering for the Bruins on TV38 or laughing at Abbott & Costello, Jean’s passions were a reflection of her vibrant spirit. She could beat you at Cribbage or Uno, whip up a mean Piña Colada or Coffee Brandy with Milk, and tell you exactly how to fix just about anything.

Jean’s love for animals was lifelong, from her childhood dog Beauty to Gulliver on the Iowa farm, and Tiffany, Tabby, and Muffin here in Fitchburg. She had a deep bond with her pets, always knowing how to make them feel part of the family.

Jean’s love only grew with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a grandma, she brought the same devotion and care, always finding ways to make her family feel special. She loved taking her grandchildren out to eat or shopping, insisting on paying every time. If you even thought about reaching for the bill, she’d shoot you a look and playfully threaten to “break your arm” if you dared try. It was her way of showing love—by ensuring everyone was cared for and that these outings were filled with connection, laughter, and memories that would last a lifetime.

Whether you knew her as Jean, Mom, Grammy, or GG, she had an extraordinary gift for making you feel like the most important person in the room. She will always be remembered as the one who could make you smile through your tears—a woman who lived life her way: strong, loving, and unapologetically herself.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the countless ways she touched the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Jack C. Wailes, Sandra A. (Wailes) Leger, her grandchildren, Candice, Joshua,, Matthew and Rachelle and great grandchildren, Elara and Owen

She was predeceased by her sons, Michael in 2022, Dean in 1974 and infant son, Bruce. She was the daughter of the late Swen and Helen (Quigley) Pearson.

Jean lived all of her life in Fitchburg and Gardner , MA . She worked for over 25 years at the former Digital Equipment Corp. as a manager, retiring several years ago.

At Jean's request there are no calling hours. A Mass for Jean will be held on Tuesday, December 31,2024 @ 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, 49 Woodland St. Fitchburg with the Interment to follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.

All friends and relatives are welcome to attend  and should meet at the church on Tuesday.