Jean Garfield Knight

Jean Garfield Knight, 90, died peacefully on August 17, 2017, at Springbrook Center in Westbrook with family at her side.

Jean was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Harry Fletcher (Fletch) Knight, Jr. She is survived by her daughters Judy (Al Rank) of Milwaukee, WI, Lyn McElwee (Mick) of McCormick, SC, Janice (Dale Rauch) of Ashland, MA, Nancy Morrison (Will) of Salisbury, MD, and son Donald (Kim Thorpe) of Key Biscayne, FL. She also leaves her sister Connie (Garfield) Richardson of Dracut, MA, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.

Jean was born on October 1,1926, to Chandler and Jean (Malcolm) Garfield in Lebanon, NH. She grew up in Medford, MA and summered with her family on Bustins Island in Casco Bay, Maine where she and her sister Connie created many happy memories while enjoying island life. After graduating from Medford High School in 1944, she enrolled at University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH, and graduated in 1948 with a degree in dietetics.

Jean met Fletch in 1945 at her father’s church in Medford, MA, and they were married on September 25, 1948 with her father officiating the ceremony. Over the years they lived in six states and over 11 different homes, finally retiring in 1986 to Yarmouth, ME. They enjoyed their final years together at 75 State Street in Portland.

Jean was a skillful homemaker and managed an active family. Dinner at the Knights was family time. At 6pm sharp, Jean gathered her family and served a nutritious meal, perfectly portioned, color coordinated and with all food groups represented. Down to the youngest child, the day’s events were shared and if someone’s head was too much in their food, they were sure to be the “Pig!” A gifted seamstress, Jean sewed adorable matching dresses for her girls, knitted countless sweaters and created patchwork quilts and beautiful cross stitch samplers.

Music was always present in Jean’s life and brought her great joy. She sang in church choirs, played the piano and passed her love and appreciation of music on to her children. A lifelong Red Sox fan, Jean and her dad scored games while listening to the Sox on the radio. Perhaps her greatest joy, however, was the precious time she spent on Bustins Island with her family. The tradition of summers on the island continued all through Jean’s life, drawing her family together from near and far. Over her ninety years she missed only two summers on her beloved Bustins.

Church, faith and family were the guiding forces throughout Jean’s life. For those who knew and loved her, she will always be remembered as a selfless example of loving kindness, acceptance and tolerance.

Godspeed to you, our sweet “Jean the Bean.” You will live in our hearts always.

Visiting hours held at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland, Wednesday, September 6, from 5-7pm, with a service immediately following. Private burial will take place Thursday morning, South Freeport Cemetery.

Jean’s children sincerely thank the staff of Springbrook Center in Westbrook, ME, and Hospice of Southern Maine for the tender, compassionate and respectful care they provided.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601, (alz.org) or the charity of your choice.

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