Jean Mary

Etheze

Her youthful enthusiasm for life, unwavering faith in God, and genuine love for others inspired those around her to grow in faith and take positive action.

Jean Mary Etheze, 81, passed away in Kansas on October 23, 2026, with family by her side in hospice care, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Portland, Maine, on September 20, 1945, Jean was the daughter of Frederick and Charlotte. She grew up in South Portland with her sisters Gail, Cathy, Julie, and her brother, Jim.

After high school, Jean began working for an insurance company in Portland, then, in the mid-60s, transferred to the West Coast. She made Los Angeles, California, her home for approximately 20 years before returning east to New Hampshire in the 1980’s. Jean built a career as a human resources specialist with Travelers Insurance, where she worked for more than 25 years. She gladly moved wherever Travelers took her. These stops included New Hampshire, Florida, Kansas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Connecticut. She retired from Travelers in Connecticut at age 62. Following retirement, Jean settled in sunny Florida, where she enjoyed nearly 15 years of retirement. She was an active member of her community and generously volunteered at her church, devoting many hours to its food pantry and helping neighbors in need.

As Alzheimer’s disease progressed, Jean moved to Kansas to be near family. She will be remembered for her service to others, her dedication to her community, and the memories she shared with her family. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Charlotte, and her brother-in-law Wayne Zahares. She is survived by her sisters, Gail Zahares, children Todd and Terry, Cathy Clark, son Kevin, Julie and Luke Hannon, children Amanda and Austin, her brother, Jim and Cathy Etheze, children Ryan and Matthew, and great-nieces and nephews. She will be dearly remembered by her stepson Kevin Clark, wife Rachel, and was lovingly called Grandma Jean by grandchildren Adrienne, Max, Kendall, and Logan.

A funeral and burial are being planned in Vermont. Jean will be laid to rest alongside her parents. Service details will be shared when arrangements are finalized.