Jean Marie Wolcott

July 18, 1934 - February 25, 2026

KINGSTON, MA — Jean Marie Wolcott passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at the age of 91. Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on July 18, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Zeta (O’Rourke) Gillis.

A Life of Faith and Care

As a young woman, Jean worked as an operator for the telephone company before taking on her most cherished role: raising her family. Once her children had grown, Jean’s nurturing spirit led her back to the workforce, where she served her community for many years at a local nursing home. 

A devoted Catholic, Jean’s life was deeply rooted in her faith, which served as her compass and a source of great strength. She was equally known for her sharp wit and sense of humor. Jean had a gift for the perfectly timed remark and a laugh that could brighten any room. Even throughout her later challenges, she never lost that spark of mischief in her eyes or her ability to find a moment of humor.

Family and Legacy

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; her son, Paul; her parents; and her brothers, Joseph Gillis and Brother Leo C. Gillis, C.F.X. She is survived by her children: Steven, Gary, and Carolyn Josselyn and her husband Jeffrey, her cherished granddaughters, Shelby Medina and her husband Carlos, and Courtney and her fiancee Paul Eskow and her great-grandson, Masyn Medina. Her family will forever miss her guidance, her sense of humor and especially her strength.

Services

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on March 6, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main Street, Kingston, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held the following morning, March 7 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 272 Main Street, Kingston, MA.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Bay Path Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the compassionate care they provided to Jean. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jean's honor to the Bay Path Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (Resident Activities Fund), 308 Kingstown Way, Duxbury, MA 02332.