Jean M. Nikitin

Jean Marie Nikitin was a light that shined brightly and brought joy everywhere she went. She had many favorite things and one of them was lighthouses. Across the seas as the whitecaps furl you can see the glow of her light. Jean was that beacon for many especially to her family.

Jean was born Jean Marie Graham on July 6, 1935 in Stoneham, MA. A sweet young lady and a true athlete. She was a fantastic swimmer, figure skater and sharpshooter. She had four sisters Minerva, Helen, Ann and Mary and two brothers William and her twin brother John. She and John were inseparable and played together all the way through high school.

After high school Jean worked at the Wildey Savings Bank in Boston. At the age of 19 she met the love of her life Mr. Harry Nikitin in 1954. Shortly after, Harry signed up for the Marines and was stationed in Japan. Jean was loyal and she waited for her sweetheart for three years and they married in 1957. She later joined him at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

In 1958 Harry and Jean moved back to Massachusetts and bought a home in Rowley. Jean was a wonderful homemaker who had great pride in her home and family. She was a very hands-on Mom to two wonderful boys Mark and John. Jean was a great cook and made sure her boys always had a refrigerator full of food. She was always known to her family as Best Mom. Jean drove her boys to school events and was Cub Scout den mother.

Just like the beacon of light in the lighthouse, her warm glow was very inviting. Jean made sure her home was always open to her friends and family. Everyone loved her cozy and loving home that was very inviting. Harry and Jean had many wonderful gatherings at their house and she was the most gracious host with class and elegance yet down to earth making everyone feel special and important.

Jean was extremely gifted in arts and crafts. She designed various wreaths that won numerous awards including, first prize at the Topsfield Fair. Her beautiful wreaths and brooms are showpieces in homes from coast to coast.

Jean is a lady yet if someone crosses her family, she will let them know it and put them in their place with a white glove. She never backed away from standing by her family. Once she and Harry were at a function with Harry’s coworkers from SEARS. One of the men made a less-than-pleasant comment about Harry. Jean was within earshot and elegantly put him in his place with only words.

Jean also had the nickname “Ma Grizz.” She was truly a protector when it came to her family. When she and her twin John were young, a group of boys were beating up John. Jean ran over, pushed John down, out of the way and she proceeded to beat the heck out of all of the boys fighting with John.

One day the family was skating on a pond when a young man around 18 skated over to Jean’s niece Diane who was just a child and the young man pushed Diane down onto the ice. Jean adored her niece Diane and they were very close. As one cousin recalled, “Aunt Jeanie beat the Snot out of him!” Jean made it clear – don’t mess with my family. A Classic Best Mom.

Jean was a force to be reckoned with, filled with beauty and love. We will all miss her laugh and her sweet voice. I can still hear her say, “Hello, darling.”

Now the wings of the angels embrace her with their love and warmth and gently lift her to her resting place in Gods’ kingdom.

Now Jean stands tall like her lighthouse shining her light for others to find their way home.

Due to Covid-19 Services will be held Privately. 

In Lieu of Floral Donations, Kindly Consider a Donation in Jean's name to:

Boxford Trails Assoc.

BTA/BOLT INC.
7 ELM STREET
BOXFORD, MA 01921
978-887-7031
INFO@BTABOLT.ORG -  see the Link Below;

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