Jeanne Judge McParland of Branford passed away January 29, 2023, of COVID, in the hospice wing at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 93 years old. Jeanne was born in 1929 to Frederick and Marion (White) Judge, growing up with three brothers and a sister in Jamaica, Queens, NY.

Jeanne received her Bachelor of Arts degree at William Smith College. She was very athletic, and played on the basketball, lacrosse and field hockey teams. Jeanne returned to school when her children were grown, to earn a Master's degree from Adelphi University. She went on to work as a Social Worker at Madonna Heights in Dix Hills, NY. Subsequent to her retirement and a divorce, she moved from Long Island to East Haven, CT.

Jeanne wanted to be near her sister, Winnifred Judge, of Branford, CT. She and her siblings spent their summers here, and then their children did the same. In the 1960's and 70's, when her family would visit, Jeanne and her children would help Winnie with the Used Book Stall, which she organized for many years for the Annual Trinity Fair. Jeanne couldn't possibly live close to her sister without becoming involved in many of the same clubs and activities as Winnifred. She became a member of The Branford Garden Club, the Half Hour Reading Club, and The Branford Historical Society, who hosted the annual Strawberry Festival on the Green, as well as many other events. Jeanne also assisted Winnie with the restoration of the Cenotaph and the Yale Tablet on the Branford Green. She became a volunteer at the Connecticut Hospice through the Garden Club, too.

Jeanne became an active member of Trinity Church on the Green in Branford. She served on many committees. Jeanne and Winnie also served as archivists for Trinity. They updated the History of Trinity Church for the period of 1883 to 2007.

Jeanne continued to work part-time as a Social Worker, taking on private clients until she was 80 years old. She was also committed to her health, and was an active member of Silver Sneakers. Jeanne loved to laugh. At times, she would laugh so hard that she couldn't stop. Her sides would ache, and tears would roll down her cheeks, but she was filled with such a contagious joy, that you couldn't help but laugh, too. She had many interests and friends, but could best be described as being a woman of compassion and empathy. If a friend was in need, she was there with a helping hand and an open heart.

Jeanne's life changed forever on August 31, 2013, when a fall resulted in a massive traumatic brain injury. She would require around the clock care for the remainder of her life, and moved to Branford in 2014. Jeanne's family is extremely grateful to Sonia Melvin, Patricia Davis and every other person involved in her care.

The youngest of her family, Jeanne died just 26 days after her sister Winnifred. Her parents have passed, as have her other siblings, Gordon, Hugh and Roderick. Jeanne is survived by her daughter Susan (Michael), step-son, John Craig (Linda); son Steven (Linda), 3 granddaughters, and 2 great granddaughters. She is also survived by 5 nephews, Roger, Hugh, Greg, Kenny & David; one niece, Barbara; one grandniece, Allison; and 6 grandnephews, Jeremy, Mitchell, Richard, Evan, Nicholas and Alexander.

A memorial service for Jeanne and Winnifred will be held at Trinity Church on the Green in Branford, on May 6 ^th this year, at 1PM.

Donations in Jeanne's memory would be welcome at The Connecticut Hospice, The Branford Historical Society, the Branford Garden Club, Trinity Church or the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.