M. Jean (Wilson) Donnelly, 83, Taught First Grade

M. Jean (Wilson) Donnelly, 83, passed away Friday, Feb. 24.

She was born May 3, 1933, in Newburyport, and raised by her parents Gertrude (Reardon) and William Wilson in Haverhill. She attended St. James High and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in teaching at Lowell State Teachers College. She met, during her senior year, her future husband, Joseph. They married Nov. 17, 1956. After teaching first grade for two years, she dedicated her life to raising their four children. She enjoyed reading, knitting, gardening, candlepin bowling, jigsaw puzzles, game shows, and all babies.

She is survived by her husband; daughter, Susan, and her wife, Jennifer Levi, and children Isi and Hannah; sons Joseph Jr. and his partner, Abby Heim; Christopher and his husband, Mark Donovan; and Brian and his wife, Emily, and children Colin, Meghan, and Elizabeth; three brothers, Al and wife, Barbara, of Annapolis, Md.; Edmund and wife, Jean, of Glenview, Ill.; and Donald and wife, Nancy, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and sister-in-law Patricia of Methuen. She was predeceased by her brother, Bill. She also leaves many devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours are at Elliott, Woodworth and Rogers Funeral Home, 35 Green St, Newburyport, Monday, Feb. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass takes place at Immaculate Conception Church, 42 Green St., Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m., with burial following at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Joseph J. and M. Jean Donnelly Education Scholarship at UMass Lowell, 600 Suffolk St., Suite 160, Lowell, MA 01854.