NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA – We regretfully announce the peaceful passing of Jean E. Sousa, 76, on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Encompass Health Rehabilitation in Braintree, MA.

Jean Blamire Sousa was born in Lawrence, MA in 1947 and is survived by her two children, Ellen Sousa Molitor of Norton, MA, Jay Sousa of Salem, NH and her three grandchildren Farrah, Taylor and Amanda Jean “Mandee.”

She is predeceased by her parents Alexander “Bud” and Gretchen Blamire of Rye, NH and sister Joanne Barnhardt of Green Valley, AZ.  Their family enjoyed summer vacations at Turner Cottages on Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH since the 1950’s. Jean and Joanne continued the tradition with their children, allowing three generations to experience the crystal-clear waters, fishing and boating together.

Jean was as tough as New England granite, raising two children while continuing to work and built a career in marketing and business administration. She proudly started her career as a Kelly Girl and continued her marketing career at LeachGarner followed by a position as Executive Marketing Manager at B.A. Ballou. Jean was the first in her family to graduate college with a degree in Marketing from Bryant College in 1991.

When Jean became a grandmother, she was inspired to write and self-publish a toddler book “Grammy Loves Me!” for her beloved granddaughters.  She continued the success and wrote a sequel book, “Gramps Loves Me!,” with illustrations inspired from her own family experiences.  

Retirement did not suit Jean, so she became a key contributor and fan-favorite member at Lowe’s in Plainville, MA. It was here that she earned the title “Captain Christmas” and kept the chemical wall in tip-top shape.

Jean’s passion for her immediate family, extended family and friends was unwavering.  She sprinkled “magic” in everything she did whether she was making “Sousa’s Kitchen” hard candy, sharing her books at local fairs, celebrating special occasions, or just listening to someone in need. The gifts that Jean gave to all were kindness and unconditional love.

Above all, when Jean spoke about her grandchildren, Farrah, Taylor, Amanda “Mandee”, she lit up like a Christmas tree – which everyone knew was “her holiday”.

Jean’s family is incredibly proud of how strong, brave, and passionate she was in all the adventures and pursuits that she endeavored in during her life.  She was truly “AWEsome”. And while heartbroken at this loss, the family knows they will be “just ducky”…until they meet again.

The family, Ellen and Pete Molitor, Jay and Kim Sousa, Farrah Sousa, Taylor Sousa, Mandee Molitor and many extended family and friends will be hosting a celebration of Jean’s life.  Please consider this year donating an item(s) for children during this holiday season in Jean’s memory.