Jean Raye Cary died peacefully on October 7, 2023, in Framingham MA, at the age of 84. She was born on July 14, 1939 as the eldest child of three to Edward and Helen Raye. She grew up in Melrose MA, raised her family in Reading MA, then moved to Ashland MA. Jean later resided at the Leland Home in Waltham for six years and then spent her last seven years at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham. 

Jean is survived by her children, Heather Cary Johnson, spouse Eric Johnson, and granddaughter, Kenzie, of Waltham MA, and Todd Andrew Cary of Falmouth MA; brother, E. Wesley Raye and spouse, Judith Raye of Nashua NH; brother-in-law, Donald Hewey of Northborough MA; and former husband, Robert S. Cary of North Andover MA. She is also survived by four nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by her sister, Eleanor Raye of Northborough MA.

After graduating from Melrose High School as valedictorian, she attended McGill University. Jean was an elementary school teacher for several years before staying at home to raise her children. During this time, she was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, becoming the Religious Education Director for many years. She was briefly the Religious Education Director at the Arlington Street Church in Boston before venturing into her career as a computer programmer. For 15+ years, she worked as a programmer at four different companies, including Polaroid, before retiring. 

Being part of the Unitarian Universalist church community was very important to Jean throughout her life, starting with attending the Melrose Unitarian Church with her family as a child. She then raised her children in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading.  She became a member of the First Parish Framingham Church and First Parish in Waltham in her later years. Jean attended many church retreats at Ferry Beach ME, Star Island NH, and Craigville Retreat on Cape Cod as she also loved spending time near the ocean.

Jean was a loving, patient, intelligent, creative person who was always an incredible listener for her family and friends. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Unitarian Universal Church of Reading, 239 Woburn Street, Reading MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St, Reading MA 01867 (www.uureading.org) or Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 9601, Washington, DC 20090-6011 (www.alz.org).